National basketball team head coach Yves Murenzi has named a 16-man provisional squad for the third window of the 2027 FIBA World Cup African Qualifiers, scheduled for July 2-5 in Angola. The squad includes four new faces as Rwanda looks to bounce back from a disappointing first window, where they suffered defeats to Guinea, Nigeria, and Tunisia. Former U16 captain Sean Mwesigwa, who is based in the United States, is among the newcomers alongside local league players Hubert Sage Kwizera and Hilar Orankunda. US-based Moise Semuhoza also earns a call-up. Murenzi will be assisted by Sunny Niyomugabo and Kenny Gasana on the coaching staff. The team will also benefit from the return of David McCormack, the American centre who featured for Rwanda during the first window and brings experience from both the United States and Europe. The FIBA Africa Regional Office recently confirmed the hosts for the third qualifying window. Cameroon will host Group A, Senegal will host Group B, while Angola will stage matches for both Groups C and D. Group A consists of Cameroon, Cape Verde, Libya, and South Sudan, while Group B features Côte d’Ivoire, DR Congo, Madagascar, and Senegal. Rwanda is in Group C alongside Guinea, Tunisia, and Nigeria. Group D comprises Angola, Egypt, Mali, and Uganda. Provisional squad: Hubert Sage Kwizera, Kenny Manzi, Jean de Dieu Umuhoza, Prince Twa, Sean Mwesigwa, Steven Hagumintwari, Chandelier Twizeyimana Cyiza, Dieudonné Ndizeye, Hilar Orankunda, Moise Semuhoza, Axel Mpoyo, Paul Bizimana, Osborn Shema, Cadeau de Dieu Furaha, Ntore Habimana, and David McCormack.
