Volleyball: Karabaranga calls for better mental preparations after Rwanda falls to Egypt

Diplomat Jean Pierre Karabaranga has called for greater mental preparedness among the women’s volleyball national team when facing top opponents on the continent. Rwanda suffered a straight-set defeat to Egypt, losing 25-5, 25-17 and 32-30, as the north African side once again ended Rwanda’s hopes of reaching the final. The teams also met in the semifinals of the 2023 edition in Cameroon, where Egypt eliminated Rwanda. ALSO READ: Egypt knock Rwanda out of African women’s volleyball championship Karabaranga, a former volleyball player at the University of Rwanda, previously served as Rwanda’s ambassador to Senegal and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Culture and Sport. Following the semifinal defeat, he took to social media and wrote that the result was frustrating but that the third set showed Rwanda’s ability to compete at the highest level. “There is naturally a lot of frustration after watching this match, particularly the third set. But that third set also gives us very good reasons to remain confident about the level and potential of our ladies,” he noted. He said the opening two sets exposed the team’s difficulty in handling pressure. “The first two sets showed that our girls did not manage the pressure of such an important match as well as they could have. We did not play with the same confidence, freedom and intensity that we showed later in the match.” Karabaranga stressed that technical and physical preparation must be complemented by mental readiness. ALSO READ: Rwanda crush Burundi to top Group D at CAVB women’s Championship “At this level, technical and physical preparation alone are not enough. Players must also be mentally prepared to enter these big matches believing that they belong there and that they can beat any opponent.” Despite the defeat, he believes Rwanda has established itself among Africa’s leading teams. “It’s confirmed: We can compete with the best. We belong among the top four in Africa.” He urged the players to respect top opponents without fearing them. “There should be no more inferiority complex when facing Egypt or any other top African team. Respect the opponent, yes, but never fear them.” Rwanda will face Cameroon on Friday at 2pm in the bronze-medal match. Victory would secure a top-three finish and qualification for the 2027 FIVB Volleyball World Cup, to be jointly hosted by the United States and Canada.

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Volleyball: Karabaranga calls for better mental preparations after Rwanda falls to Egypt