Rwanda women's national volleyball team head coach Frédéric Guérin has named seven uncapped players in a provisional squad for the 2026 CAVB Women's African Nations Championship, set to take place in Kenya from August 23 to September 5. The new faces are setters Nancy Ndagijimana and Diane Mpuhwezimana, middle blockers Anitha Umutoni and Sandrine Uwiragiye, outside hitters Claire Uwase and Angelique Tuyishime, and libero Fillette Uzamukunda. The provisional squad signals a significant rebuilding process, with around 40 percent of the selected players receiving their first senior national team call-ups since Rwanda's last appearance at the continental championship in 2023. Rwanda finished fourth at the 2023 edition after falling 3-1 to hosts Cameroon in the bronze-medal match. Guérin will be assisted by Christian Hatumimana and Cyuzuzo Yvette Igihozo, while Sandrine Usenga has been appointed as the team's strength and conditioning coach. The squad also retains several experienced players who have featured prominently in previous national team campaigns. Among them are setter Iris Ndagijimana (Police WVC); middle blockers Albertine Uwiringiyimana (APR WVC), Hope Musaniwabo (Kepler WVC) and Flavia Dusabe (Police WVC); liberos Judith Kabatesi (APR WVC) and Lea Uwimbabazi (RRA); and opposite hitters Françoise Yankurije (APR WVC) and Divine Nyirahabimana (APR WVC). The outside hitter department comprises Valentine Munezero (APR WVC), Olive Nzamukosha (RRA), Benitha Mukandayisenga (APR WVC) and Aloysia Tuyishimire (RRA). The team is expected to begin preparations in the coming days as Rwanda aims to improve on its fourth-place finish from the last edition and challenge for a podium finish in Kenya.
