Following their triumph in preseason tournament, newcomers UTB women’s volleyball team have turned attention to this year’s National Heroes Day tournament. The 2019 edition of the annual tournament runs from January 19 through January 27 at Amahoro Stadium. The Kicukiro-based side beat giants of Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) in a five (3-2) set thriller to lift the preseason tournament’s title on Sunday. Speaking to Times Sport on Wednesday, UTB skipper Yvette Cyuzuzo hailed her teammates for a ‘job well done’ during the preseason tournament and urged them not to lose focus ahead of the upcoming Heroes Day tournament. “Our aim is to keep focus and fight hard in bid to win every competition we engage in, that’s our target this season. We are aware it’s going to be hard, but I have confidence in my teammates.” She added, “We are a group of players who are individually and collectively determined. We have no fear for anyone, and I am sure we will grow in strength and confidence with time.” The women’s competition starts this Saturday while their male counterparts will be competing on the weekend of January 25-27. The annual National Day Volleyball Tournament is organized by Rwanda Volleyball Federation in partnership with the Chancellery for Heroes, National Orders and Decorations of Honour. Last year, Giragara (men) and Rwanda Revenue Authority (women) were the winners of its inaugural edition after defeating Rwanda Energy Group (REG) and APR in the finals in straights (3-0) sets, respectively. UTB are largely seen as the team that will give RRA a rough run for their money this season after six years of uninterrupted supremacy in domestic women volleyball. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
