Yves Murenzi, the head coach of the U-18 national team has dropped three players from the provisional squad that is gearing for the upcoming 2022 FIBA Africa U-18 Championship. The African championships are scheduled for August 4-14 in Antananarivo, Madagascar. Rwanda ascends to the tournament as champions of FIBA Africa Zone 5 after they grabbed the sole ticket at the expense of Tanzania and Uganda in an impressive fashion. And with the tournament drawing closer, Murenzi has now decided to release three players: Pacifique Ndaruhutse, Yvan Hirwa and Nzungize Rugamba. The team departs for Madagascar on July 29. Currently, the team is camping at Green Hills Academy and conducts their daily training sessions at the BK Arena. There will be more additions to the team and they include; Prince Kabera, a power forward based in the USA, Briallant Brave Izere Rutsindura a centre also based in the USA are expected in the country on July 25. The winners and runners-up of the FIBA U-18 African Championship earn the right to represent the continent at the FIBA U-19 Basketball World Cup. Seven countries have represented the continent in the global U-19 basketball festival. Those countries are Angola, Cote d’Ivoire, Egypt, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal and Tunisia. So far, qualified teams for this year’s U18 African Championship include Senegal, Egypt, Mali, Guinea, Madagascar, Rwanda and Angola. Other qualified teams would be announced at later stage. Roster: Meddy Bahizi, Hubert Sage Kwizera, David Tuyizere, Boris Nkurunziza Hirwa, Chandelier Twizeyimana Cyiza Nshuti, Emmanuel Kayinamura, Ghislain Nubaha, Brian Karenzi, Dick Rutatika Sano, Axel Gakuba and Allan Rusizana.
