U23 women volleyball team lines up All-Stars friendly

Monday Rwanda U23 vs All Stars Rwanda U23 women national volleyball team will play a warm-up match against a select team from local clubs on Monday ahead of their departure for the African Women Championships, which will be held at Kasarani Indoor Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya, from October 18-28. Head coach Paul Bitok reckons that playing against the more experienced players from big local clubs like APR and RRA will give his youthful side the necessary test ahead of the continental showpiece. In the friendly, the U23 team will be coming up against elite players that include; Charlotte Nzayisenga, Judith Hakizimana and Ernestine Akimanizanye (from RRA); and Brigitte Mutakwampuhwe, Denyse Mutatsimpundu and Angelique Uwibambe (from APR), among others. The national team is also planning to play two international friendly matches, against Uganda and Kenya, before the tournament. Last Wednesday, the junior side beat All Stars team 3-2 in first warm-up game. “We want to play as many matches before the tournament as possible, and we hope this will raise the fitness levels of the players in time for the competition.” The other national teams that have confirmed their participation in the continental event include; Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Botswana, Senegal, Cape Verde and hosts Kenya. The winner of the tournament will also qualify for the 2017 FIVB World Championships. Rwanda Volleyball Federation has been provided Rwf49.8m to cater for the team’s tickets, accommodation and upkeep during the eight-day competition. Team in camp: Claudine Musanabageni (GS Indangaburezi), Dimitri Muhimundu (APR), Olive Mutamba (APR), Delphine Uwicyeza (APR), Léa Uwimbabazi (GS Indangaburezi), Belyse Ingabire (GS Indangaburezi), Seraphine Mukantambara (RRA), Hope Musaniwabo (ST Aloys). Others include; Benita Mukandayisenga (St Alloys), Marie Grace Niyigena (RRA), Louise Umuhoza (St Aloys), Honorine Ishimwe (St Aloys), Olive Nzamukosha (St Aloys), Jacqueline Uwamariya (St Aloys) and Flavia Dusabe (St Aloys). editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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U23 women volleyball team lines up All-Stars friendly