Minister of Sports activities Nelly Mukazayire has urged RSSB Tigers to signify Rwanda and Africa strongly and “shock the world” on the FIBA Intercontinental Cup in Beijing, China, from September 22 to 27.
Tigers certified for the six-team event after successful the 2026 Basketball Africa League (BAL) title in Might. They’re the one African representatives within the competitors, which brings collectively golf equipment from Africa, Asia, Europe and the USA.
“My message to you is shock the world; simply shock the world. And also you're able to doing that, you’ve all it takes in you,” Mukazayire advised the crew throughout a go to to their coaching camp on Thursday, September 17.
She additionally urged the gamers to keep up their unity, chemistry and collective spirit all through the event.
“Go there, go along with the spirit of Rwanda, a spirit stuffed with resilience,” she stated.
Rwanda Social Safety Board (RSSB) Chief Govt Officer Regis Rugemanshuro, whose establishment sponsors the membership, described the event as a possibility for Tigers to showcase each Rwanda and Africa on the worldwide stage.
“It doesn't occur day by day, however when it does, we've seen, we are able to present up,” Rugemanshuro stated.
“You probably did it when most didn't suppose you’ll. We knew you might,” he added, reminding the gamers that they’re champions whereas encouraging them to embrace the strain that comes with competing on the highest stage.
“You've confirmed you are able to do the perfect beneath strain, successful such a trophy,” he stated.
Tigers have been drawn in Group A alongside Lithuanian champions Rytas Vilnius and hosts Shanghai Sharks of China.
They may open their marketing campaign in opposition to Rytas Vilnius on September 22 earlier than dealing with Shanghai Sharks of their second group-stage recreation on September 23.
The highest two groups from every group will advance to the semi-finals, the place group winners will face runners-up from the other group. The groups that end third of their respective teams will meet within the fifth-place playoff.
Tigers bolster roster
In preparation for the event, Tigers have strengthened their roster with a number of new signings, together with American centre Johnny Hamilton, who is anticipated so as to add measurement and defensive presence to the frontcourt.
The two.13-metre centre has averaged greater than two blocks per recreation over the previous three seasons.
Tyler Bey additionally brings worldwide expertise, having performed for Israeli golf equipment Ness Ziona and Hapoel Haifa in the course of the 2022-23 and 2024-25 seasons.
One other 2.13-metre addition, Jonathan Galloway, provides additional depth to the frontcourt. The American has performed professionally in Denmark, Croatia, Switzerland, Türkiye, Finland, Czechia, Cyprus, Kosovo, Venezuela and Rwanda.
Tigers will probably be aiming to hold the momentum from their historic BAL triumph into their first look on the FIBA Intercontinental Cup.
