Basketball in Africa

After exerting authority as the dominant side in Rwanda for the past two seasons, Espoir basketball club's head coach Jean Bahufite wants to turn his team into a major force in Zone V and on the continent.

The reigning champions started their title defence in style after thumping 30-Plus 105-40 in the opening game.

"We have proved over the past two seasons that we're the best team in the country but we want to take our fine form at home beyond the borders, we must try and be more consistent in the regional championships," said the Espoir coach.

He added, "If we can manage to be consistent in terms of success in Zone V, then it would give us the confidence and belief when going into the Fiba Afro-basket club championships inThe Nyamirambo-based Espoir have won the regular season league title and Playoffs trophies in the last two seasons in a row, and also added the preseason tournament this season. However, they failed to defend the Zone V club championships crown they won in 2012 after losing to Urunani of Burundi in last year's final held in Bujumbura.