Kwizera retires from volleyball national team aged 30

Former national volleyball team player Pierre Marshal Kwizera has retired from playing at the international level at the age of 30.

Saturday, July 29, 2017
Pierre Marshal Kwizera has announced his retirement from international volleyball. (Photos by Sam Ngendahimana)

Former national volleyball team player Pierre Marshal Kwizera has retired from playing at the international level at the age of 30.

The veteran center broker and attacker has played for different teams including Gahini, Kibungo VC, Umubano Blue Tigers, Kigali Volleyball Club, APR, Lycee de Nyanza, Rayon Sports, University of Kibungo (UNIK) and now he is featuring for Gisagara before he joined APR.

"I have retired officially from the national team. I thank the staff, teammates and fans for their support during my career. I think it is right time to give the chance to the younger players,” Kwizera told Saturday Sport.

The 30 year-old handed his number 7 jersey to Fabrice Nkezabahizi. 

He added, "For 12 years, I have given my best to the national team and I am really happy for the achievements but I am a lot sad that I have leave the stage.”

Kwizera acknowledge that his number 7 shirt has been handed to Fabrice Nkezabahizi.

He was part of the national team which won Zone V in 2011, 2013 and 2015; he played at Africa National Cup, World Cup qualifiers and All African Games.

He won league titles, Genocide Memorial Tournament, KAVC memorial tournament (Uganda), Rutsindura Memorial Tournament and Amical Tournament (Burundi).

Kwizera has been in national team since 2005 when he won his first call up and went on to play a pivot role, starting as setter before turning to left attack and later a center.

The veteran player (#7) thanks his teammates after he announced his retirement. 

Kwizera, 30, started his playing career at the primary level in Ngoma distrct, before joing Gahini Secord School, in 2005 he signed for Umubano Blue Tigers, one year later he joined Kigali Volleyball Club and in 2008, he signed for APR VC before joining Lycée de Nyanza.

In 2013 he signed for OMK El MILIA in Algeria before returning to INATEK VC 2013 and a year later he played for Rayon Sports for two years.

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