Rwanda debuted the 2023 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket on a high note, beating Côte d’Ivoire 64-35, and Dr. Cheikh Sarr, the head coach, expressed optimism though He stated that his target goals are to go game by game.

Following an impressive performance to tip off the 28th edition of FIBA Women’s AfroBasket, Rwanda’s head coach, Dr. Cheikh Sarr, fulfilled his FIBA-mandated obligations to attend a duly convened post-match press conference to review the game and give his thoughts on the upcoming encounter.

During the press conference, Dr. Sarr commended his players, and clearly, his optimism looked so uplifting for the tournament; nevertheless, he chose to keep a low profile and did not comment on how he will prepare for his next game against Angola.

Dr Sarr tried and succeeded to prepare his squad under wraps until the final roster was revealed on matchday; as a result, he stunned Côte d’Ivoire, the eighth-ranked African Women’s team.

In his words, Dr. Sarr hailed the team for a good start and appreciated the public for pushing them

“I want to thank the team, Rwandan team, you know we are a family and they [players] show that we have heart and that we can do something. holding a team like Côte d’Ivoire, a running team, a very versatile, physical at 35 points, it means that we can do something together. It is a good start for me, and the public help a lot.”

Dr. Sarr’s team triumphed, however, it became evident that he needs to make a few adjustments in technical aspects. Rwanda made 4-of-17 shots from behind the arc, had 28 turnovers, and shot 60% from the free throw line in a game against Côte d’Ivoire.

How will the Senegalese tactician deal with that?

“I think we can improve some components like the turning the ball over 28 times, but we get a lot of points from the first break, 17 and we attacked the paint, we got 24 inside the paint, which is very good.”

“I think we go back home and then watch the video and prepare for Angola.”

When asked how he prepares for his next opponent and his goals for the competition, Dr. Sarr stated that his goal remains the same; defeat everyone who stands in their way.

“I can’t come here to disclose my plans to Angola. We are prepared, as they are. And for the tournament, we’ll take it one game at a time. We must win all of our games, that is all.” Said Rwanda’s head coach

On the other side, Hope Butera, a center, who was crucial to the victory, wasn’t reluctant to declare that they are ready for this tournament

“We are ready to give whatever it takes to win the competition. It’s my first time, it’s a lot of people’s first time, but I think we are ready as a team, as the whole country.”

Hope Butera, a center, spent 28 minutes on the court and scored 7 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, assisted twice, and stole 3 balls.

In this game, Destiney Promise Philoxy scored a game-high 18 points in her debut. Janai Crooms Robertson chipped in with 11 points in the game Laurence Imanizabayo was forced to withdraw from the competition owing to an ankle injury.

In the next outings, Rwanda takes on Angola on July 30 at 6 p.m. CAT.

Rwanda’s U-16 National Teams, boys and girls, flew back to Kigali on Tuesday afternoon from Tunisia, where they placed fifth in boys and seventh in girls in the recently ended African Championships.

The Rwandan delegation was received cordially by their families upon their arrival at Kigali International Airport and the journalists were eagerly waiting for the participants.

Speaking on behalf of the players, Sean Williams Mwesigwa, who had a stellar performance at the FIBA U16 African Championship, averaging 18.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3 assists per game, spoke with us about the tournament and how he evaluates his performance.

The 15-year-old also emphasized what they lacked that prevented them from reaching the semi-finals.

Mwesigwa, the team’s leading scorer, also reveals where he needs to improve based on what he learned throughout the competition.

“I’m used to the less physical game and a lot more scoring. These guys are used to more team ball, which is something that I definitely stick away from my experience being here. So, yes, that’s what I would say the difference is. So that’s something I definitely picked up from my teammates and something I’ll take back with me when I go back to the States.”

Mwesigwa currently plays for Varsity high school team in Texas. during the 2023 FIBA U-16 African Championship, Rwanda’s journey ended in the quarter-finals following a 94-78 defeat against Egypt. Thus, they had to continue playing classification games.

It was a painful evening for Habiyaremye’s squad, who were vying for a place in the World Cup. A target they should have fulfilled if they made the final.

When addressing the media, coach Patrick Habiyaremye urged the national team officials that the group would still be taken care of and make sure that the preparations for the next tournaments start earlier

“We didn’t make it to the semifinals or qualify for the World Cup, but we finished fifth. It wasn’t easy, and for us, the results aren’t disappointing.”

“We only need to make a few minor adjustments, which will allow us to return to the tournament [U18] more competitively if we plan ahead, get all the kids there on time, and have time to harmonize the game.”

In the classification games, the team led by Patrick Habiyaremye beat Morocco by a tight score of 77-76. Two days later, they defeated Côte d’Ivoire 74-62 to take fifth place.

Guinea stunned Egypt in the final to win the boys’ championship. While in girls, Mali clinched the eighth title in a row.

There is little question that the finest outcomes for the boys came from the introduction of Rwanda’s second division in basketball, where the bulk of U-16 boys players are presently participating.

The girls’ journey has not been easy; after dropping five games in a row, they overcame Guinea in the classification game and place seventh overall

In an interview with Moise Mutokambali, the Basketball National Technical Director, he detailed the girls’ dismal performance as well as their plans to improve and thrive at the international level.

“Locally, the girls’ teams aren’t making much progress; we need to put forth more effort, stay up with the schools’ competition, and go further into development.” Said Mutokambali

 He continued; “The boys’ level has risen mostly as a result of the second-tier league that we established. That’s why we intend to launch another competition for girls, focusing on schools of excellence. We’re working on it, and we started by instructing the coaches at the schools who will help us raise the girls’ level.”

Meanwhile, In Cape Verde in 2019, Rwanda also came in fifth place, their last appearance in the FIBA U16 African Championship after missing the previous edition in Egypt.

In two years, the teams will be back on the international stage competing at the under-18 level.

After successfully hosting the 2021 FIBA AfroBasket in the men’s category and three Basketball Africa League finals, Preparations are in full swing as Kigali will welcome another international Basketball event, FIBA Women’s AfroBasket, in less than 4 days.

With the countdown to the highly anticipated FIBA Women’s AfroBasket coming down to the wire, The preparations are in top gear for the 28th edition due to begin on July 28, 2023. The organizers, protocols, and security personnel are leaving no stone unturned to ensure a flawless and secure atmosphere for Basketball lovers across the continent to witness Africa’s highest-level Women’s basketball tournament.

Speaking to Landry Jabo, the Project and Partnership management consultant at Rwanda Basketball Federation, he emphasized that the preparations are well advanced and almost done.

He said; “Final preparations are well underway and nearly complete, only a few details remain to be dealt with, but we expect to have them lined up before tomorrow”

Kigali’s BK Arena, the renowned and state-of-the-art venue that has hosted every major basketball tournament on the continent, is getting a substantial makeover in preparation for this prestigious event. The 10,000-seat Arena, completed in 2019, is set to host a fun-filled mix of basketball and entertainment events.

Kigali, Rwanda’s capital city, will draw attention from the continent. The competition is expected to draw close to 500 athletes, coaches, federation representatives, and officials excluding supporters. hence It will endure for about ten days. What does the hosting nation have in store to ensure that visitors have a pleasant stay in the most welcoming country?

“We will provide a welcoming environment for basketball fans, full of fun and entertainment,” stated Mr. Landry Jabo from local organizing committee

He added; “Basketball and entertainment are inextricably linked. We’ll have a variety of acts performing. Every day, an artist and DJs will warm up and amuse the audience.”

“The opening ceremonies will include a breathtaking spectacle on August 28th, and the tournament will conclude on August 5th with another amazing entertainment event.”

He continued “We scheduled training for sports photographers and training for basketball technicians, among other activities planned but related to basketball, in order to broaden our grasp of the game.” declared Jabo

Furthermore, online services, digital products, and tourism through Visit Rwanda have been put in place, eagerly anticipating the arrival of participants from around Africa for a 10-day stay in the land of a thousand hills.

Hence, Tickets may be purchased solely through the online platform TiCQet 

The best 12 national teams in the continent compete in the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket, the continent’s biggest women’s basketball competition, which is held every two years. From July 28 to August 6, 2023, Kigali, Rwanda, will be the site of the event.

While Nigeria is the reigning champion, Senegal won it 12 times. In the previous edition in Cameroon, Nigeria defeated Mali in the final game, where Cameroon finished third.

The 12 participating nations in Kigali are Rwanda, Côte d’Ivoire, Angola, Cameroon, Mali, Mozambique, Guinea, Senegal, Uganda, Nigeria, Egypt, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

At the time of publishing, Senegal and Mozambique had already arrived in Kigali. 9 other teams are due to arrive starting this evening, the deadline is July 27th.

The defending champions, Nigeria, will face DR Congo in the opening game on July 28 at 11:30 Central African Time.