Rwanda to host Zone V FIVB World Cup Qualifiers

AFRICA VOLLEYBALL Confederation has awarded Rwanda rights to host the Zone 5 World Championship Qualifiers, slated for November 25 to December 1.

Saturday, September 14, 2013
Local clubs APR and INATEK, seen here playing in a past tournament, will provide the bulk of players for the national team. Saturday Sport/T. Kisambira.

AFRICA VOLLEYBALL Confederation has awarded Rwanda rights to host the Zone 5 World Championship Qualifiers, slated for November 25 to December 1.The decision was reached at by both the International Volleyball Federation and the Africa Volleyball governing board, CAVB. According to the Rwanda Volleyball Federation’s Secretary General, Christian Hatumimana, CAVB chose Rwanda despite Uganda and Kenya also bidding to host the event."We are happy to announce that we have been awarded the rights to host the event and we hope the tournament will be successful on and off the courts,” said the official.He added, "This shows that both CAVB and FIVB have faith in Rwanda to organise international competitions and we will do everything possible not to disappoint.”The Uganda and Kenya Volleyball Federations had shown interest in organising the event.Rwanda will be looking to make the most of home advantage when they host Zone 5 Championship after hosting the Sub Zone this year in June.Five teams Rwanda, Egypt, Kenya, Uganda and Burundi will compete in Zone V Qualifiers, where the top three will go for the final round, which will determine the top three, who will represent Africa in World Championships.For the first time, FIVB have granted Africa three places in the men’s category and two places in women’s group at the world’s biggest volleyball event.The Rwanda men’s team will start trainings later this month. The team will be under the tutelage of ex-Kenyan international Paul Bitok, who will be assisted by Kigali Volleyball Club coach Jean Marie Nsengiyumva.