Seven Karatekas, including two females, are today heading to the Republic of Congo keen on “winning big” at this year’s All African Games edition.
Seven Karatekas, including two females, are today heading to the Republic of Congo keen on "winning big” at this year’s All African Games edition.
Unlike previously, the team managed to train and prepare longer, and together (since early June).
Vanily Ngarambe, Christian Rurangayire, Emery Espoir Ntungane, Rehema Kabera, Solange Ingabire, Jean Paul Shyirambere and Jean d’Amour Rukundo will all tussle it out in Kumite (fighting) contests.
Rwanda will not take part in the Kata contest.
Team captain Ngarambe, 22, who participated in last year’s World Karate Federation (WKF) Championships in Bremen, Germany, is in upbeat mood.
"Our team is the best Rwanda has ever had because of the discipline and experience of athletes. We also prepared a bit longer and morale is high,” Ngarambe, who became team captain this year, told Times Sport on Monday.
He added, "We know this is our only chance we come together to make a real mark. We are focused and we want to win big things.”
The team’s average age is 23.6 years.
The 11th edition of the All African Games, scheduled for September 4-19, in Brazzaville, Congo marks the 50th anniversary of the Games. Brazzaville hosted the first edition in 1965.
The team is led by coach Noel Nkuranyabahizi, who has been in charge since the departure of Russian Karate expert Ruslan Adamov early this year.
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