Mossad Rashad, the head coach of Rwanda’s men and women’s Sitting Volleyball teams, has said that his teams are ‘ready to challenge for the top positions at the much-anticipated 2023 World Para Volley Sitting Volleyball World Cup that will take place in Cairo, Egypt, from November 11-18.
Rashad has been putting the teams through their paces during the past three weeks before departing for Cairo on Friday morning where they will have a further week training on standard grounds before the tournament kicks off.
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The Egyptian coach leaves with confidence in his players with whom he hopes to enjoy a remarkable tournament at his home city, Cairo.
"All players are in good shape and I hope they are ready for the World Cup,” Rashad said.
"They have grown up in maturity and experience. We are going to play on a high level so we must be ready. We need to keep working hard for the next tournament. We have to play better during the competition. We are going to give our best during the tournament.”
Africa will be represented by Rwanda and Egypt in both men and women during the tournament.
Overall, Rwanda tops Africa women rankings followed by Egypt while Egypt lead men’s rankings well ahead of Rwanda which comes in second place.
Globally, the Rwandan women team are sixth but Rashad wants more from his ladies and he believes they must prove their worth at the Para Volley Sitting Volleyball World Cup to improve their rankings.
"We need to improve and rise fifth or fourth place at the international level,” he vowed.
No pressure!
Ranking first in Africa is a milestone and a pride for every Rwanda women player will have to defend ahead of the World Para VolleySitting Volleyball World Cup.
But team captain Liliane Mukobwankawe believes it is a motivation for her and her teammates rather than pressure.
"We don’t feel pressure but we are going to Cairo an even better team. We have been to many international Sitting Volleyball competitions and we have managed to perform well. I have a feeling that we are going to do same or even be better in Egypt,” Mukobwankawe said.
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The champions in both men and women tournaments will qualify for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
The last edition of the event held in Anji saw the United States and Iran claim the championship in women and men's categories respectively.
Travelling Squads
Men: Emile Cadet Vuningabo, Jean Baptiste Murema, Jean Claude Ndahiro, Jean Baptiste Ndayisaba, Jean Bosco Ngizwenimana, Innocent Niyitegeka, Pacifique Niyogushimwa, Ismail Nkwaya, Christophe Nyagatare, Jean Semana, Callixte Twagirayezu, Callixte Uwiyezimana.
Women: Liliane Mukobwankawe, Claudine Bazubagira, Claudine Murebwayire, Solange Nyiraneza, Marie Adeline, Alice Musabyemariya, Agnes Nyiranshimiyimana, Hosiana Mulisa, Chantal Mutuyimana, Clementine Umutoni, Sandrine Nyirambarushimana and Faustina Uwimpuhwe.
Head Coach: Mossad Rashad Elaiuty.