Dynamo look to bounce back against Patriots

DAR ES SALAAM (Tanzania) - Burundian outfit Dynamo will be seeking to register their first victory when they take on Patriots of Rwanda on Thursday at the ongoing Group D Africa Champions Clubs Tournament for a place in the prestigious inaugural Basketball Africa League 2020. 

Olivier Ndayiragije's side is confident that they will make amends and play to their strengths when they face arguably their biggest challenge at the regional tournament. 

“WE ARE MOTIVATED FOR THIS GAME. WE KNOW WHAT WE NEED TO DO ESPECIALLY AFTER YESTERDAY'S LOSS, WE REALLY NEED TO WIN THIS GAME. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT ESPECIALLY BECAUSE WE WANT TO GO TO THE NEXT LEVEL. ”- Hakizimana

Speaking to FIBA.basketball, Dynamo captain Jean Hakizimana admitted that any game involving a Rwandan team is close to a derby and that this one will feel like it. 

Hakizimana featured at the Gisembe Memorial in April 2015 playing for Rwandan side Espoir that at the time also had current Patriots shooting guard Lionel Hakizimana - his namesake. The friendship and brotherhood has come a long way. 

However, when they come up against each other today, it will be about business even though they will hug and shake hands before the game tips off.

Jean said, "We are motivated for this game. We know what we need to do especially after yesterday's loss, we really need to win this game. It is very important especially because we want to go to the next level." 

Patriots captain Aristide Mugabe is keen on starting the tournament on a positive note and when they take to the court, their fans expect nothing less than a win. 

"It is very important to win our first game so that we start the tournament on a high note. It will be a good game. Dynamo play small ball so we have to be aware," he mentioned. 

Patriots will be looking to dependable shooting guard Kenny Gasana and new recruit George Wilbert Blakeney who is expected to provide a big presence in the paint.  

In the second game of the day, Ethiopian side Hawassa face Ugandan champions City Oilers in a bid to get a positive result at the round-robin tournament that has every game as a final. 

Hawassa captain Pangi Omod believes their work is cut out and they will need to be more efficient on offense while also playing better defense than they did yesterday. 

The Oilers are eyeing a second straight win that should put them closer to the next round but they are not taking any team for granted. 

A total of 32 clubs across Africa are participating in the Qualifying Tournaments for the Basketball Africa League 2020. 

The first round of Qualifying Tournaments tipped off from October 16 and will run through to November 3. Teams were divided into six groups with the top two of each group, in total 12 teams, advancing to the next round. An additional four teams will be invited to compete in the "Elite 16", the second round of Qualifying Tournaments.

FIBA