Teams train for hoops qualifiers

Jan 31, 2007

NATIONAL basketball teams started training for the Zone V All Africa qualifiers at the YMCA and Makerere pool courts on Tuesday. Rwanda will host the qualifiers February 3-10 at the Amahoro stadium in Kigali.

By Gloria Kyomugisha

NATIONAL basketball teams started training for the Zone V All Africa qualifiers at the YMCA and Makerere pool courts on Tuesday. Rwanda will host the qualifiers February 3-10 at the Amahoro stadium in Kigali.

Men’s coach Timothy Odeke has invited 18 players, while women’s coaches Ronnie Kalule and Hamza Nyambogo were taking 16 players through drills yesterday.

The move to send teams to Kigali supersedes a decision by the old John Ssimbwa-executive to skip the event due to lack of funds.

“We have decided to overturn the former decision. To avoid a fine and a FIBA suspension, we shall send two teams of ten players each to Kigali,” FUBA publicist, Joe Burua said.

According to the newly elected federation president, Ambrose Tashobya, the teams will be trimmed to 10 players each after three days of trials. The teams depart on Friday.

Already powerhouse and favourites, Egypt, have confirmed entry so are Ethiopia, Kenya, Burundi and hosts Rwanda.

Others expected at the regional bonanza are Tanzania, Sudan, Seychelles, Zanzibar and Somalia. The top teams in each category book a ticket to the Pan Africa Games in Algeria in July.

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