RWANDA men’s beach volleyball teams have secured tickets to the second round qualifiers of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games after dominating Africa Sub-Zone 6 in Eritrea. Represented by two teams, Rwanda finished unbeaten in first round qualifiers after winning all their games against hosts Eritrea, South Sudan and Egypt. The tournament, which lasted for four days, came to a climax on Monday. Along with first runners-up Egypt, Rwanda reached the second round due next month, a stage that will qualify countries to the 2020 Beach Volleyball Africa Cup of Nations in June. The Rwandan teams comprised Olivier Ntagengwa and Patrick Kavalo Akumuntu in set, while the other pair was made up by Fils Habanzintwari and Venuste Gatsinze. By press time Tuesday, the Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB) was yet to determine host countries for the second round qualifiers. Women teams depart Thursday In the meantime, the women’s teams have been in residential camp in Rubavu District since Monday, and they will be leaving the country for their Sub-Zone 5 first round qualifiers in Tanzania on Thursday. The four-nation competition in Tanzania starts on Friday through Sunday in Dar es Salaam. Just like their male counterparts, Rwanda will field two teams in the women’s qualifiers; with Charlotte Nzayisenga and Valentine Munezero making one team while the second team comprises Seraphine Mukantambara with Judith Hakizimana. After the June African championships, which will serve as the final qualifying round, the champion teams – men and women – will automatically seal their slots at the 2020 Olympic Games due from July 24 to August 9 in Tokyo, Japan.
