César Rubayita in shock comeback after five years

FIVE YEARS after quitting, former APR setter Cesar Rubayita has made a shock return to the national senior volleyball team ahead of the 2014 World Cup Qualifiers scheduled for February, 12-18 in Cameroon.Rwanda will be up against hosts Cameroon, Algeria, Nigeria and Gabon.The 31-year-old Rubayita last played a competitive match in 2009 for APR, but his last outing for the national team was back in 2008 during the African qualifiers for the World League in Durban, South Africa.He was part of the APR team that competed in the 2009 Africa Club Championships held in Cairo, Egypt but quit the club over undisclosed reasons. However, he has made a surprise come back with Umubano Blue Tigers, who are returning to the national league after a five-year absence.With the national team number one setter Elie Mutabazi retiring from the sport last year, Rubayita is seen as the dangerous substitute for that important role in coach Paul Bitok’s team.His return to the fold brings the much needed competition for places on the team along with the likes of Bonny Mutabazi, Elve Kagimbura, Thierry Mugabo and Theogene Tuyishime.Rubayita played with the national team’s experienced players; Lawrence Yakan Guma, Flavier Ndamukunda, and Marshal Kwizera during his time at APR and they could make a perfect partnership.Apart from Rubayita, Bitok has named three first timers in his provisional 20-man squad, which will start training on Monday. The new faces include; APR setter Bonny Mutabazi, Peter Bigirimana and Yves Mutabazi.Players making a second appearance are; Rayon Sports’ Nelson Murangwa, Aimable Mutuyimana (APR), Thierry Mugabo (Nyanza), Fabrice Nkezabahizi (APR), William Mudahemuka (INATEK) and National University of Rwanda’s Olivier Ntagegwa.Full squad:E. Mutabazi, Bosco Mutabazi, Mutuyimana, Fabrice Nkezabahizi, Theodore Hyango, Bonny Mutabazi APR), Herve Kagimbura, Peter Bigirimana, William Mudahemuka, Flavien Ndamukunda and Pierre Kwizera Marshal (INATEK).Other are; Vincent Dusabimana, Fred Musoni, Theogene Tuyishime and Nelson Murangwa (Rayon Sports), Thierry Mugabo (Nyanza), Cesar Rubayita (UBT) Olivier Ntagengwa (NUR) and Algeria-based duo Christophe Mukunzi (El Fanar) and Lawrence Yakan Guma (‘Etoile Sportif de Setif).