Burundi Aims for Strong Return to FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Zone 5 Qualifiers

Burundi is preparing for a significant return to the FIBA Women's AfroBasket Zone 5 Qualifiers, scheduled for February 3-8 in Cairo,

Burundi is preparing for a significant return to the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Zone 5 Qualifiers, scheduled for February 3-8 in Cairo, Egypt. It’s been more than a decade since Burundi last participated in the regional tournament, but the team is determined to make a splash in its long-awaited comeback.

The Burundian squad, currently training under the guidance of head coach Arsene Mfuraniza at the Department of Sport Stadium, is full of optimism despite the challenge ahead. Their return to regional competition comes after nearly 12 years away from the spotlight of African women’s basketball.

“We’re ready to face the challenge,” said Mfuraniza, who is confident in his team’s potential. “While it won’t be easy, we are motivated to give our best effort and show the continent that Burundi has a lot to offer.”

The tournament will take place at the Hassan Mostafa Arena in Cairo, where Burundi will face stiff competition from regional heavyweights, including Egypt, Kenya, South Sudan, and Uganda. Rwanda, another dominant force in the region, has already secured a direct spot in the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket, set for July 25 to August 3 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

While the road to qualification is challenging, the Burundian team, nicknamed the “Swallows,” is encouraged by the opportunity to compete at such a high level once again. The squad includes several key players who are based abroad, which will provide a significant boost to the team’s chances.

Diaspora Stars Lead the Charge

Seven players based outside of Burundi have been named to the 15-player roster. The squad includes Nezerwa Ines, who plays for Asvel in France, as well as Nsanzabangwa Nelly Sandra and Izre Santhiana, both from Rwandan side Kepler. Uwitone Nandy Linda, a standout for Rwanda Energy Group, rounds out the players from the Rwandan league.

Additionally, Irakoze Divine (United States International University, Kenya), Kanyamuneza Ines (Kampala International University, Uganda), and Uwineza Ninette (Kampala City Council Authority-Leopards, Uganda) will also represent Burundi in the qualifiers.

Focus on Experience and Teamwork

Team captain Nezerwa, who brings valuable international experience from playing in the U.S. and professionally in Switzerland and France, will be a key figure for Burundi. Having recently helped REG finish sixth in the Women’s Basketball League Africa (WBLA) in Dakar, Nezerwa’s leadership will be crucial for the Swallows.

“It’s not going to be easy, as we’ve been away from this level of competition for a while,” Nezerwa said. “But we’re going to take it one game at a time and compete. Our goal is to show that Burundi has the talent to be competitive on the regional stage.”

Nezerwa added that the team’s players, many of whom have experience in regional club competitions, will bring their individual expertise to help Burundi succeed. “We’ve all played in Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, and we’ll use those experiences to come together as a team,” she said.

Looking Ahead to Growth in Women’s Basketball

Coach Mfuraniza is hopeful that Burundi’s participation in the qualifiers will not only push the team toward success but also contribute to the growth of women’s basketball in the country.

“Facing experienced teams will help our players set new goals and elevate the level of basketball in Burundi,” he said. “This competition is just the beginning of what we hope will be a bright future for women’s basketball in our country.”

The full provisional squad for the qualifiers includes:

  • Nezerwa Ines
  • Nsanzabangwa 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
  • Izere Santhiana

Burundi will look to make its presence felt in the Zone 5 Qualifiers, with hopes of securing a spot in the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket.