Herculean task for Rwanda in quest for Women's World Cup Qualifier slot

KIGALI (Rwanda) - Coming off their most successful FIBA Women’s AfroBasket outing in 2023 where they finished fourth, Rwanda is on a mission to make more history with the team in August.

The Cheikh Sarr-led side was making a return to the continental stage for the first time in 12 years and their finish in fourth saw them land a place in the first-ever FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Pre-Qualifying Tournament.

In a draw conducted on Thursday, April 25, Rwanda - who will host one of the two Pre-Qualifiers between August 19 and 25, 2024 - landed a tough group D that has Great Britain, Argentina, and Lebanon.

Coach Cheikh Sarr

"We are facing formidable opponents in our group. These are teams we haven't tested our skills against before. It is an exciting challenge; one we are ready to embrace as an opportunity for growth and development. While we may be unfamiliar with their playing style, we approach each game with a spirit of resilience," coach Sarr told FIBA.basketball in an interview. 

Will their home advantage play a part in their qualification chances? Well, no doubt the Rwandese fanbase can move their teams to great performances but that might not cut it against some of the best teams in the world. 

Sarr, in previous interviews, acknowledged that the home court is not necessarily an advantage for the team but hosting the competition, he agrees, is historic. 

"We are excited. This is an historic moment for Rwanda and Africa. It is a significant move in growing Africa women’s basketball as it showcases the continent's growing prominence and passion for the game," he said about Rwanda hosting. 

Rwanda finished in the top-four of the African Championship for the first time last year

The tactician will heavily rely on the foreign-based Rwandese legion that was instrumental in the side making history in the Women’s AfroBasket by reaching their first-ever Semi-Final.

Top of that list is the trio of Janai Crooms Robertson, and Destiney Promise Philoxy, who emerged as true leaders during the Women’s Afrobasket as well as 22-year-old Ineza Sifa who was the hero Rwanda needed to get through past Uganda in the continental competition for their first Semis appearance.

Others expected to add to Rwanda’s depth in the all-important competition is US-based Rwandan international Bella Murekatete who recently starred in the 2024 Women's College All-Star Game played on April 6.

The star center, who plies her trade at Washington State Cougars women's basketball helped Team Liberman to a 95-88 win over Team Miller with her team-high 7 rebounds along with 2 points and 2 steals on her All-Star game debut.

Also expected to make the squad is Hope Butera, Idaho Vandals women's basketball team center in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I.

Groups A and B will play in Mexico City, Mexico, and C and D in Kigali, Rwanda.

The top two teams from each group will qualify for the Semi-Finals of each tournament. The two winners of each tournament will qualify for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournaments that will involve 24 teams.

A view of the game between Rwanda and Uganda at BK Arena in Kigali

The Pre-Qualifying Tournaments are an important part of the expansion of the women's competition system where the aim is to grant a larger number of National Federations meaningful and regular international competition.

A total of 16 nations, including hosts Germany, will punch their tickets through the Qualifying Tournaments in 2026 and compete at the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026.

FIBA