The national Under-23 volleyball women team are confident they will get a good result in the upcoming Africa youth Volleyball Championships, which runs from October 23-28. Five countries will take part in the continental tournament and they include; Kenya (hosts), Tunisia, Rwanda, Botswana and Senegal. According to coach Paul Bitok, the competition will help provide experience to the youthful side which has not participated in many regional tournaments. “We are facing tough teams who have been dominating youth categories. This tournament will give our young and inexperienced team a test of what it requires to compete against the best,” Bitok said. The championship is open to players born on January 1, 1995 or after. Kenya will host the second edition of the continental age-grade category championships after the first one held in Algeria in 2014. The tournament will also serve as a qualifier for the 2017 FIVB World Championships. Team U23: Jacqueline Uwamaliya, Belyse Irakoze, Honorine Ishimwe, Claudine Musanabageni, Lea Uwimbabazi, Marie Grace Niyigena, Louise Muhoza, Olive Mutamba, Delphine Uwicyeza, Seraphine Mukantambara, Hope Musaniwabo, Dimitri Muhimpundu, Benita Mukandayisenga and Flavia Dusabe. Head coach Paul Bitok, Assistant coach Christophe Mudahinyuka, Team manager Gertrude Kubwimana, and Team physician Pierrette Kalisa. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
