REGIONAL basketball champions, Espoir left for Malabo, Equatorial Guinea for their maiden appearance in the Fiba African Champions Cup (ACC) slated for Nov 29-Dec 8.

Speaking to Timesport before departure, the team's coach, Jean Bahufite said, they are going into the tournament not to makeup numbers but to make an impact.

"We have been doing well in the league which is a good sign for my team,"

"I hope we will go there with strong character and mentality"

"We have been winning and I am confident we can maintain our form at the African Club Champions Cup,"

"We are going to compete not to participate so we hope we will do better for our first appearance"

Espoir booked their ticket to the prestige tournament after winning the Zone V club title in Kampala in August after beating Urunani of Burundi in the finals.

To gear up for the tournament, Espoir signed APR duo of Bienvenue Ngandu and Kami Kabange.

Jean Bahufite said he is positive that the experienced duo will help the team to do well in Malabo.

The continental showpiece will attract twelve teams from the seven Fiba zones.

Etoile Sportive du Sahel of Tunisa will be looking to defend their title.

Nigerian side Kano Pillars, ASB Mazembe of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon's Manga Basket and Ivory Coast's Abidjan Basket Club (ABC) will also complete.

Other teams include; Al Ahly and Al Ittihad (Egypt), Angola's Primeiro D'Agosto, Petro de Luanda and Recreativo do Libolo, Etoile Sportive du Sahel and Mongomo Basket Club.