Sixteen teams set for hoops FIBA Zone V tournament

With exactly ten days to go, a total of sixteen teams have confirmed their participation in the forthcoming 10th FIBA Africa Zone Five Club Championship in Kigali, according to organisers, Rwanda Basketball Federation. The week-long tournament is scheduled for October 4-11 at Amahoro indoor stadium, Remera. This year’s regional championships will attract the champions of Kenya, Burundi, Uganda, Ethiopia and hosts Rwanda, who will be represented by four teams, two in each gender. In the men’s category, Rwanda will be represented by the 2012 winners and 2013 finalists, Espoir, who, according to their head coach Jean Bahufite, are optimistic about putting up a strong fight to claim the title on home soil. Other home sides include Cercle Sportif de Kigali (CSK) as well as Ubumwe and APR (women). Last August, in Mombasa (Kenya), Rwanda was represented by Espoir and APR in women’s competition and both sides finished sixth after failing to go beyond the group stages. The reigning champions Urunani (men) of Burundi and United States International University (women) from Kenya plus last year’s finalists KPA (men and women) are among the favourites for the top prize. Teams Men: Espoir, CSK (Rwanda), Ulinzi, KPA (Kenya), City Oilers, Tiger Head Power (Uganda, Dynamo, Urunani (Burundi) and Water Sports of Ethiopia. Women: APR, Ubumwe (Rwanda), USIU, KPA (Kenya), Les Gazelles, Berco Stars (Burundi) and KCCA of Uganda.