BURUNDI and Kenya are expected in today ahead of the Zone Five Basketball championship set open in Dar es Salaam on Monday. The two countries will join Somalia which jetted in on Thursday ready for the championship.

Tanzania Basketball Federation (TBF) Assistant Secretary General, Michael Maluwe said Burundi who are coming in by bus was expected early today alongside Kenyan. Maluwe said seven countries have confirmed participation in the event with Uganda being the last as they are planned to arrive on Monday morning, while Egypt and Rwanda are set to jet in tomorrow.

Maluwe said Dar es Salaam is ready to host the tournament, with all necessary preparations being in good order. He further said that the hosts are prepared for tough encounters. "For the whole of next week we expect the National Indoor Stadium will be a centre of activities and the basketball lovers will have the chance to enjoy the games," he said.

Last week TBF announced the squad with a blend of new and old guards as both men's and women's teams gears up to represent the country in the tournament. The men's side dubbed as the Tanzanite King list under coach Bahati Mgunda are Point Guards:

Ladislaus Ikungura, Gerald Baru, Abdalah Ramadhani (Dulla) and Henry Mwinuka (kidume). Shooting Guards are Sudi Abdulrazak, Sylivian Yunzu (Maige), Mussa Chacha, Frankline Simkoko. Small Forward:

Mohamed Ally (Dibo), Amir Muhidin Saleh, Lusajo Samwel (captain), Anthony Jeikanga and Erick Kahagwa. Post Player/Centre are Gilbert Batungi, Juma Kisoky, Fadhil Abdalah, Mwalimu Kheri and Murshid Mudricat.

Tanzanite Queens Squad has Centre/Post Player: Veronika Kubilu and Penina Igwe. Power Forwad: Jackline Shemeza, Jasmin Mamdali Bablia and Diana Mwaka. Small Forward: Imelda Hango, Amina Lyamaiga and Veronica Patric. Off guards: Sajda Lymaiga, Zakia Kondo and Husna Alphan. Point Guards: Semeni Abeid, Jokha Suleiman, Rehema Silomba and Lucy Agustino.