Rwanda Karate Federation (Ferwaka) has appointed a former world vice-champion to train the national team in preparation for the forthcoming World Karate Federation (WKF) Championships in November.

Tamer Abdel-Raouf, a 30-year-old Egyptian who was second world champion in 2010 under the 75 kg Kumite (fighting) category, arrived in the country on Saturday evening and took charge of Monday’s training session.

He will work alongside national coach Ruslan Adamov (Russian) to improve the skills of a select 10 fighters – eight males and two females – from whom the best three will be picked, later, to represent the country at the WKF Championships in Bremen, Germany.

"Ruslan has been doing everything, from Kumite techniques to Kata, alone. This is too demanding and, in addition, Abdel-Raouf is more qualified. But together, they will sharpen our team’s capacity and improve our level,” said Ferwaka technical director Guy Didier Rurangayire.

"Also important is that he is not only a former world number two, but one of the top coaches in the Egyptian Karate federation.”

Rwanda, which moved 10 places to 83rd in WKF ranking following its "good show” at the 15th Senior African Karate Championship held in August, is 10th in Africa.

In November, the world’s best will compete for 16 World Championship titles.