Amanovic pleased with junior hoops teams

Today U-18 team (girls) vs APR U-18 (boys) vs CSK WITH the Zone V qualifiers just seven days away, national U-18 boys and girls’ basketball teams head coach Nenad Amanovic is impressed with the team’s progress despite losing all the friendly games.

Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Amanovic (R) talks to his players at time-out during the 2010 zone V qualifiers, also held in Kigali, and won by Egypt. The New Times/File.

Today U-18 team (girls) vs APRU-18 (boys) vs CSKWITH the Zone V qualifiers just seven days away, national U-18 boys and girls’ basketball teams head coach Nenad Amanovic is impressed with the team’s progress despite losing all the friendly games.Both teams lost their warm-up matches on Sunday. The boys’ team was defeated by both APR and CSK 70-62 and 52-38 respectively, while the girls’ team was beaten by APR 64-18.However, Amanovic, who is assisted by four local coaches, insists his youthful teams did their best against more experienced oppositions."I’m proud of them, the results do not tell the whole picture. They (teams) were playing against professionals, who are more experienced. Nonetheless, we need to improve our weakness in both defense and shooting,” admitted the Croat.The two teams will continue their preparation for the forthcoming Zone V qualifying tournament due to be held from July 17-22 in Kigali when they play more warm-up matches today at Amahoro indoor stadium courts.U-18 Men’s teamManzi Ernest Nestor, Karekezi Rurangirwa Pascal, Uwizeye Placide, Rafiki Muhamed, Uwimana Sankara, Kubwimana Kazingufu Ali, Munyandamutsa Niyomugabo Sunny, Mugirangeza Ruterana Fabrice, Ndoli Jean Paul, Kaje Elie, Shyaka Olivier, Munyaneza Eric, Niyonkuru Pascal, Mugisha Igor, Ngenzi Eric, Shyaka Scifon, Charles Mbazumutima, Albert Tuyishime.Women’s teamUmwizerwa Vanessa, Kabanyana Ange, Iradukunda Muzigabanga Cynthia, Manishimwe Genevieve, Umutoni Gisele, Nzaramba Cecile, Niyonsaba Delice, Micomyiza Rosine, Iraloze Sandra, Kanyamibwa Marie Claire, Gakwenzire Solange, Uwase Denise, Yamfashije Jeanne, Immaculée Nyirahumure, Nancy Ishimwe, Alice Kanzayire.Coaching StaffNenad Amanovic (head coach), Cyrille Kalima, Albert Buhake, Moise Mutokambali, Francis Manzi.