Two-time champions Gisagara have confirmed that they will not be part of the upcoming Kayumba Memorial Volleyball Tournament due to injury crisis.

The 11th edition of the annual competition is scheduled for the weekend of March 7-8.

Speaking to Times Sport on Wednesday, Gisagara head coach Pierre Marshal Kwizera explained that five members of his squad are recovering from injury and could not be fit in time for the tournament.

"We have five (key) players out through injury, we are not able to participate in the tournament,” said the former Rwanda centre blocker.

He added: "Using a short-handed squad in would be risky – both for the team and players.”

Their injured players include Patrick Kavalo Akumuntu, Niger-born Djibril Doudou Adamou, Yves Niyonkuru, Thierry Mugabo and Barack Rugira.

After eight games into the 2019/2020 Volleyball National League, Gisagara are second with 18 points.

With Gisagara’s withdrawal from the two-day tournament, the men’s professional category remains with four teams; holders UTB, REG, APR and Amical, of Burundi.