Egyptian sitting volleyball coach and instructor Dr. Mosaad Elaiuty has stepped down from his role as head coach of Rwanda’s men’s and women’s teams. Elaiuty confirmed his resignation to Times Sport on Tuesday, April 14, but did not disclose further details about his decision. His departure comes less than three months before Rwanda’s women’s team is set to compete at the World Sitting Volleyball Championship, scheduled for July 10–17 in Hangzhou, China. According to National Paralympic Committee (NPC) Secretary General Célestin Nzeyimana, Elaiuty cited “personal reasons” for stepping down. However, sources indicate that his decision may be linked to a significantly more lucrative offer to coach Saudi Arabia. Elaiuty is no stranger to Rwandan sitting volleyball. He previously served as head coach from 2019 to 2022 and had extended his contract through next year. Widely regarded as a tactician with deep expertise, Elaiuty has built a strong reputation in sitting volleyball. He had guided Egypt to Paralympic success before taking charge of Rwanda for his first spell in 2018 and went on to play a key role in elevating Rwanda’s men’s and women’s teams. During his tenure, Rwanda’s women’s team qualified for the Tokyo Paralympic Games for the second consecutive time in 2019 after defeating Egypt in Kigali to retain the African Championship title. He also served in an interim capacity during Rwanda’s participation in the 2022 World Sitting Volleyball Championship held in Bosnia and Herzegovina in November 2022. Elaiuty further helped Rwanda secure qualification for the 2026 Sitting ParaVolley World Championships for both men and women, set to take place in Hangzhou from July 10–17, 2026. The upcoming tournament will mark Rwanda’s third consecutive appearance on the global stage, following qualification secured by defeating Kenya at the 2025 African Championship. Rwanda currently ranks second in Africa in the men’s category and first in the women’s rankings.
