THE national U-21 men volleyball team departed for Abuja last night aboard an Ethiopian flight, ahead of the African men’s U21 championship set for September 12-19 in Nigeria. According to head coach Paul Bitok, the boys have had enough time to train together and he is confident they will put up an inspiring showing to emerge among the top three despite all players making their debut appearance in African Championships. To achieve the target, Bitok and his youngsters will have to overcome a stiff challenge from some of Africa’s best such as Egypt, Cameroon, Morocco and hosts Nigeria. Twelve countries, including Rwanda, will be vying for three tickets to represent the continent at the 2019 FIVB U21 word cup. The twelve nations have confirmed their participation at the African championships in Abuja including; hosts Nigeria, Egypt, Tanzania, Congo Brazzaville, Chad, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Niger, Botswana, Cameroon, Morocco and Rwanda. The continental showpiece, in Nigeria, will also serve as qualifiers for the 2019 FIVB Volleyball Mens U-21 World Championships to be staged Bahrain. Final squad: Setter: Cedric Ngaboyintwari (APR VC) and Jackson Ntoranyi (Kirehe VC) Left: Wilcriff Dusengimana (APR VC), Eric Kwizera (St Joseph), Salomon Matsiko (UNIK VC) and Theoneste Rwahama (IPRC West) Right: Martial Herve Inkoramutima (REG VC) and Sadru Manzi (UNIK VC) Centre: Thiery Ronald Muvara (APR VC), Yvan Hahirwa Mukerangabo (Gisagara VC), Cedrick Kageruka (Christ Roi) and Christian Muhire (UNIK VC) Libero: Martin Masabo (PSVF) and Jules Nigena (UTB). editorial@newtimes.co.rw
