BUJUMBURA (Burundi) - Burundi are expecting a fruitful return to the FIBA Women's AfroBasket Zone 5 Qualifiers, which kick off in Cairo, Egypt, on 3-8 February.
The team, currently undergoing rigorous training at the Department of Sport Stadium under the tutelage of head coach Arsene Mfuraniza, are optimistic.
It will not be a walk in the park for the Burundians, who will be making their first appearance at the regional showpiece in almost 12 years.
The tournament, to be held at the Hassan Mostafa Arena, will see teams from Egypt, a dominant force in the region for years, Kenya, South Sudan and Uganda battle it out for the sole ticket.
Rwanda, another zonal powerhouse, has already secured a direct ticket to the 2025 FIBA Women's AfroBasket, which will take place from 25 July to 3 August in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.
As tough as the task in North Africa may seem, the Burundian 'Swallows', as the team is affectionately known, are confident that they will give it their all.
Coach Mfuraniza will be relying on seven players who ply their trade outside the country's borders to give the team a much-needed tonic and a boost in their quest for recognition both in the region and on the continent.
Seven dependable stars for Swallows
Seven diaspora stars have been named in the squad to carry the country's hopes.
Heading the 15-man squad are Nezerwa Ines of Asvel (France), Nsanzabangwa Nelly Sandra and Izre Santhiana, who play for Rwandan side Kepler, and Uwitone Nandy Linda, who plays for Rwanda Energy Group (REG).
The others are Irakoze Divine (United States International University, Kenya), Kanyamuneza Ines (Kampala International University, Uganda) and Uwineza Ninette (Kampala City Council Authority- Leopards, Uganda).
Mfuraniza looks to tour to spur growth in women's basketball
While the tactician remains hopeful, he is also aware that their opponents will be a tough challenge, "but I think we can use that as an advantage to spring a surprise," he told FIBA.basketball.
But the mere fact of participating in the qualifiers, he said, will give the Payers a new purpose as they push towards achieving their goals.
"Playing against other experienced teams can give them a new goal to reach and boost our women's basketball in general from now on."
Nezerwa to lead by example
Team captain Nezerwa and Uwineza are key players and will bring a wealth of experience to lead the way for Burundi as the Swallows, as they are affectionately known, look to make their way through the five-team tournament.
Nerezwa, who helped REG to a sixth-place finish in the Women's Basketball League Africa (WBLA) in Dakar in December, also played college basketball in the USA and had a professional stint in Switzerland and France, will lead by example.
She knows the task will not be easy as they have been away for a long time, but they are all going out there to compete.
She said: "The participating teams have been in almost all the Zone 5 tournaments and are powerhouses in the region, but we will take it one game at a time and compete."
"What I expect from this group is to give our best and show that even though Burundi have been out of the competition for a while, the talent is there."
Burundi have players who have played in zonal club competitions before and she believes this will come in handy during the championship.
"We have players who play in Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda. Each of us will bring the experience we have gained and work together," she offered.
The provisional squad is as follows: Nezerwa Ines, Sandra Nsanzabaganwa Nelly Sandra, Niyonkuru Elsa, Irakoze Divine, Kanyamuneza Ines, Mushiranzigo Sada Arcie, Uwineza Ninette, Bukuru Ingabire Elsa, Igiraneza Christa Ciella, Ishimwe Anny Cherry, Nduwamahoro Landry Christine, Dusenge Fiesta and Izere Santhiana.
FIBA