Rwanda volleyball teams head coach Paulo De Tarso has named his final 14-man squad that he will use during the 2023 Men's African Nations Volleyball Championship scheduled from October 20-30 in Egypt.

The tournament will also serve as the 2024 Olympic qualifiers.

Out of the initial 17 players, De Tarso and his assistant coaches Dominic Ntawangundi and Yakan Guma Lawrence picked 14 players heading into the final preparations before departing for Egypt.

The dropped players include setter Cedric Ngaboyintwari and libero Sadru Manzi of APR VC and REG left attacker Patrick Akumuntu Kavalo.

Rwanda finished sixth during the 2021 edition of the continental volleyball showpiece in Kigali and De Tarso will be looking to build a strong team ready to improve their performance and challenge for the top places or even the championship during the 2023 edition.

At least seven out of 14 players have previously played in the national team while seven others namely Crispin Ntanteteri, Merci Gisubizo, Eric Kwizera, Samuel Niyonshima, Dieu Est La Ndahayo, Alain Irakoze, Emmy Twagirayesu and Venuste Gatsinzi will be making their international debut in Egypt.

Also read: Rwanda begins preps for men’s African Volleyball Championship

After 2023 Women's African Nations Volleyball Championship in Cameroon which will be concluded on August, 26, De Tarso will travel to Egypt where he will the join men’s team for the final preparations for the tournament.

Final squad

Setters: Ivan Mahoro Nsabimana and Crispin Ntanteteri

Receiver attackers: Merci Gisubizo, Eric Kwizera, Samuel Niyonshima and Dieu Est La Ndahayo

Libero: Simon Rwigema and Alain Irakoze

Middle blocker: Ronald Muvala, Emmy Twagirayesu, Prince Kanamugire and Placide Madison Sibomana

Opposite: Venuste Gatsinzi and Wickliffe Dusenge