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Rwanda Eyes Competitive Leap at 2025 Afrobasket in angola
Table of Contents
Luanda, Angola – Rwanda’s national basketball team is preparing to compete in the 2025 afrobasket tournament, taking place in Angola from August 12th to 24th. The team aims to surpass its previous performance adn transition from a participant to a genuine contender on the African stage.
current Ranking
Rwanda is currently ranked 15th in Africa and 93rd globally by FIBA, as of July 2024. This marks a steady climb in recent years, reflecting increased investment in the nation’s basketball infrastructure.
the Road to Angola 2025
Rwanda’s qualification journey was challenging, facing strong opposition from Senegal and Cameroon in November 2023 and February 2024. They secured victories against Gabon, finishing with a 2-4 record and qualifying as the best third-ranked team in Group A of the Afrobasket qualifying rounds, held in Kigali, Rwanda.
Afrobasket History
Rwanda first participated in the Afrobasket championship in 2007, also hosted in Angola. Since then, the team has appeared in seven subsequent tournaments (2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2021), with a best finish of ninth place. They have yet to advance beyond the group stage.
Technical Staff
Cheikh Sarr
Senegalese coach Cheikh Sarr has been the head coach of the Rwandan national team since 2021. Prior to his role with Rwanda, Sarr successfully led both the Senegal men’s and women’s national teams to the FIBA Basketball World Cups in 2014 and 2018, respectively. He is assisted by assistant coach, Jean-Pierre Kalema, a former Rwandan international player.
Key Players
Ntore Habimana
Ntore Habimana
Habimana, a 6’6″ guard, demonstrated strong performances during the February qualifying games. He recorded 12 points and 7 rebounds against Senegal, 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 12 assists against Cameroon, and 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists against Gabon. He plays professionally for the Patriots Basketball Club in kigali.
Axel To
Mpoyo, a 6’4″ shooting guard, is a recognized elite shooter. He shot 41.9% (13 of 31) from three-point range during the qualifying playoffs, averaging 16.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2 assists across three games.He currently plays for APR basketball Club.
Osborn shema
Shema, a 7’0″ center, participated in all six playoff games, averaging 10.5 points and 4.8 rebounds.His size and rebounding ability will be crucial for Rwanda’s interior defense and securing possessions during the Afrobasket tournament.
Future Outlook
Rwanda has significantly invested in basketball advancement programs, including the construction of the Kigali Arena, a state-of-the-art 10,000-seat multi-purpose arena, which has boosted the sport’s
