Rwanda’s women’s basketball team is gearing up for an arduous challenge as they set their sights on securing a spot in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 Pre-Qualifying Tournament.
Fresh off an impressive fourth-place finish in the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket in 2023, the team is poised to make history once again under the guidance of coach Cheikh Sarr.
Having earned their place in the Pre-Qualifying Tournament after their stellar performance in the AfroBasket, Rwanda finds themselves in a tough Group D alongside formidable opponents: Great Britain, Argentina, and Lebanon.
Despite the daunting task ahead, coach Sarr remains optimistic, viewing the challenge as an opportunity for growth and development.
“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 stated in an interview with FIBA.basketball.
With the Pre-Qualifying Tournament set to take place in Rwanda from August 19 to 25, 2024, the team will look to capitalize on the advantage of playing on home soil. However, coach Sarr acknowledges that while the Rwandese fanbase can inspire great performances, it may not be enough against some of the world’s best teams.
Despite the uncertainty of home advantage, hosting the competition itself holds significant importance for Rwanda and Africa as a whole. Coach Sarr emphasized the historic nature of the event, highlighting its role in showcasing Africa’s growing prominence and passion for women’s basketball.
To bolster their chances in the tournament, coach Sarr will rely heavily on the foreign-based Rwandese players who played pivotal roles in the team’s success at the AfroBasket. Players like Janai Crooms Robertson, Destiney Promise Philoxy, and Ineza Sifa will be expected to lead the charge, alongside talents such as Bella Murekatete and Hope Butera, who have made their mark in international basketball leagues.
The Pre-Qualifying Tournament will feature two groups, with Group D matches being held in Kigali, Rwanda. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Semi-Finals, with the winners earning qualification for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournaments.
The expansion of the women’s competition system aims to provide more opportunities for National Federations to participate in international competition. A total of 16 nations, including hosts Germany, will secure their spots through the Qualifying Tournaments and compete at the prestigious FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026.
As Rwanda prepares to embark on this challenging journey, the team remains determined to defy the odds and showcase their talent on the global stage. With resilience, determination, and the support of their fans, Rwanda aims to carve out a place among the world’s elite in women’s basketball.
PHOTO: FIBA
