Rwanda to host FIBA Women's AfroBasket 2021 Zone 5 Qualifiers

ABIDJAN (Cote d'ivoire) - FIBA Africa has confirmed Rwanda as the hosts of the upcoming FIBA Women's AfroBasket 2021 Zone 5 Qualifiers from July 12-17 at the Kigali Arena in the Rwandan capital. 

Five nations including the hosts Rwanda, Egypt, Kenya, debutants South Sudan and Uganda have already confirmed participation in the regional biennial competition.

The winner of this tournament will qualify for the FIBA Women's AfroBasket 2021 set for September 17-26 at the Multipurpose Sports Complex in Yaounde, Cameroon. 

Rwanda Basketball Federation (FERWABA) president Desire Mugwiza said that, "Hosting this tournament means a lot to Rwanda as we continue the journey to revamp our focus on women's basketball at regional and continental level."

Hosts Rwanda have already embarked on residential training

"This means a lot that Rwanda as before will continue supporting basketball in the region by not only hosting big events like the Basketball Africa League but also the zonal events," Hariri Hesham, FIBA Africa Zone 5 president told FIBA.basketball. 

Rwanda, who are coached by Senegalese tactician Cheikh Sarr, will be looking to qualify for the FIBA Women's AfroBasket for the first time since 2011.

The FIBA Women's AfroBasket 2021 will be the 27th edition of event. 

The inaugural FIBA Women’s AfroBasket was held in Guinea in 1966 and Egypt finished top of the podium after beating the host nation in the Final while Senegal have captured the crowns in 12 of the 26 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket.

They are followed by Nigeria with four titles as they clinched the last one during the 26th edition of 2019. Zaire (DR Congo) have three titles in their cabinet while Angola and Egypt are two-time champions.

FIBA