All Africa Games contingent reduced further

THE delegation to the All Africa Games has been reduced further following the elimination of table tennis team. The Games will be held in Maputo, Mozambique from September 3-18. After the latest reduction, Rwanda will now concentrate on Basketball, Volleyball, Beach volleyball, Athletics, Boxing, Tennis, Karate, Swimming, Cycling, Tae-kwon-do and sport for the disabled. According to the delegation’s chef de mission Thierry Rwabusaza, the table tennis team was eliminated after the federation opted to field two separate teams. Trouble started when the federation’s boss Eugene Semigabo replaced the original team that comprised of Steven Sibomana, Fontaine Mukamuhizi and their coach Emmanuel Berwa Irakama saying that he never recognized them. He then summoned a new team of Yves Ndizeye, Piane Umurinzi and Celestin Rutendeza as the coach. The development forced the local Olympic committee to disband the whole team from the camp which is being held at La Palisse Hotel, Nyandungu. “The federation’s decision to register another team at the very last moment has forced us to eliminate them from participating in the Games. With a few days left, the new players selected can’t secure their accreditations because the deadline has passed,” said Rwabusaza. Rwanda team which includes 85 athletes and 25 officials now stands at 110 from the original 145. Each athlete, who will represent the country in Maputo, will be given an allowance package of USD 700 (Rwf 0.4m). Rwanda last won a medal in the 1987 Games which were held in Kenya when Maricienne Mukamurenzi won a silver medal in the 10.000m race. Ends

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All Africa Games contingent reduced further