The national karate team has started training ahead of the 17th edition of the Africa Karate Championship scheduled in Rwanda from August 28 to September 02.

The provisional team, composed of sixty players, started training on Tuesday at Amahoro national stadium and will also be training during weekends under the guidance of head coach Noel Nkuranyabahizi who will be assisted by four assistants.

Nkuranyabahizi explained that it is vital that they create a positive team culture and get the team to gel as a unit as early as possible. The goal is to win as many medals as possible in the continental championship in Rwanda.

"We are expecting a tough test both mentally and physically during the individual category, so we need to prepare the team as early as possible but simultaneously ensure that they gain more skills ahead of the competition.” He added

The national karate federation president, Theogene  Uwayo said Rwanda was entrusted to host the continental championship by the Union of African Karate body UFAK early this year because of a proven track record of organizing such indoor games.

The last edition of the UFAK Africa competition was last held in Yaounde capital of Cameroon, Tunisia was the best at that event after winning 19 medals which included 7 gold medals, 5 silver, and 7 bronze.

Egypt and host Cameroon finished second and third respectively. Rwanda did not participate in the games.

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