US-based Kenneth Gasana arrived in Kigali last evening and is expected to join his teammates in camp ahead the forthcoming Afro-basketball championships scheduled for August 20-31 in the Ivorian capital Abidjan.
According to the head coach Moise Mutokambali, the point guard will be a good addition to the team which is preparing for its fourth appearance in the continental showpiece.
The 29-year-old made his debut for Rwanda during the 2009 FIBA Africa Championships in Libya where he shone with 31 points against Morocco helping Rwanda to the ninth position, the country’s best performance ever in the continental championships.
Meanwhile, Mutokambali confirmed that Zone V champions Egypt agreed to play a warm-up game against Rwanda in Abidjan before the main event starts.
“We have secured a friendly game against Egypt before the start of the tournament but the date has yet to be confirmed,” the former Rwandan international told Times Sport.
He said the national team will depart for Abidjan on August 16.
Rwanda is drawn in Group B alongside defending champions Tunisia, Morocco and debutants Burkina Faso.
The team starts its bid against Burkina Faso on August 21, then Morocco on August 23, and Tunisia on August 25.
Meanwhile, after losing in the final of Zone V Championships against Burundian side Urunani on Saturday in Bujumbura, Espoir players joined the national team camp on Monday.
By Peter Kamasa, The New Times