THE national karate team jets out to Rabat, Morocco this evening for the 14th African Karate Championships with one thing on mind: to fly the country’s flag high by winning medals.National Karate federation technical director Guy Rurangayire said yesterday, “I think the team is ready to win medals.” “I have high hopes in the crop of players who were selected and as they head to Morocco tomorrow (today), everyone is confident they can put on a good show,” added Ruranganyire.The team departs tonight aboard SN Brussels to Belgium from where they will connect to Rabat tomorrow morning.Rwanda will be represented by 11 players in the continental championship competing in both Kata and Kumite categories.The championship will attract teams from South Africa, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Uganda, hosts Morocco, among others.Two years ago, Rwanda finished 15th out of 23 countries but with early and better preparations, the country hopes to improve on its performance, according to Ruranganyire.Rwanda Team:Individuals: Jean Paul Shyirambere (Under 60kg), Eric Karegire (Under 67kg), Vincent Kamanzi (Under 75kg), Jean Pierre Kamanzi (Under 84kg), Christian Rurangayire (Over 84kg),Men’s Kata team: Sylvestre Twajamahoro, Didier Gaga Rukorera, Ismael NshimiyimanaWomen’s Kumite team; Marie Claire Mukagakwerere (Under 60kg), Rehema Kabera (Under 50kg) and Razia Uwase (Under 65kg)
