Sports Minister Nelly Mukazayire handed the national flag to RSSB Tigers on Friday as the Rwandan champions prepare to travel to China for the 2026 FIBA Intercontinental Cup, scheduled for September 22-27.
RSSB Tigers earned the right to represent Africa after winning the 2026 Basketball Africa League (BAL) title, becoming the first Rwandan and East African team to lift the continental championship.
During the flag-handover ceremony, Mukazayire wished the team success and urged the players to remain focused, determined and committed throughout the competition. She called on them to fight for victory until the final whistle as they represent Rwanda and Africa on the international stage.
The team pledged to give its best on the court and compete with the ambition of bringing the trophy home.
RSSB Director General Regis Rugemanshuro said the team was not travelling to Beijing simply to participate but with the objective of winning the Intercontinental Cup.
RSSB Tigers’ BAL triumph marked a historic achievement for Rwandan and East African basketball. The club was founded in 2019 and was acquired by the Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB) in 2025 before going on to claim its first BAL championship in 2026.
The 2026 FIBA Intercontinental Cup will be held in Beijing from September 22 to 27, featuring six teams: RSSB Tigers of Africa, Boca Juniors of South America, Rytas of Europe, China’s Beijing Royal Fighters and Shanghai Sharks, and NBA G League United.
Mukazayire urged RSSB Tigers to return from China with the Intercontinental Cup trophy as they seek to build on their historic BAL triumph.
