RWANDA’s U-18 men’s basketball team defeated PJB Goma of DR Congo in two warm-up games played over the weekend ahead of the forthcoming FIBA U18 African Championship, set for July 22-31 in Kigali. Moise Mutokambali’s boys won the first game 82-45 on Saturday before completing the double with a 63-46 victory in the second game on Sunday. Both games were played at Amahoro indoors stadium in Remera. Last Friday, the U-18 team also played against a US-based Diaspora select team, a game the youngsters won 61-57. Mutokambali says the three warm-up games have helped him to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the team. “We have learnt a lot from the three games, we were able to spot key areas to focus on ahead of the African championships. The three wins are a psychological boost for the boys’ self-confidence,” Mutokambali said on Monday. The 35-year old Mutokambali, who is expected to announce the final squad of the tournament either Wednesday or Thursday, noted that all players are in an upbeat mood and everyone wanted to impress. The FIBA U-18 African Championship will attract 12 teams and the two finalists will qualify to represent Africa at the 2017 FIBA Under-19 World Championship in Egypt. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
