GABORONE-PROMISING youngster Jean Pierre Cyiza has won Rwanda’s first bronze medal at the ongoing 2014 Africa Youth Games in Botswana.

Cyiza clinched bronze after failing to qualify to the finals as he lost to South Africa’s Fuzile Azinga 2-1 in the semi finals held on Monday at Botho University.

The Inkuba club-based boxer had inexperience to blame as he lost the first round 9-10. He bounced back to win the second round 10-9 before losing the final round 9-10. 

In boxing, all losing semi finalists are awarded bronze medals unlike in some sports disciplines where they first have to battle for a third-place win.

 "We are happy for the bronze medal position. Cyiza has been in good shape and this achievement is due to hard work and commitment,” head Coach Gashugi Kananura told Times Sport after the match.

Kananura described Cyiza as a promising boxer adding that, he would have won a gold medal if he had engaged in international warm-up matches before coming to Botswana.

 "It’s just lack of experience that denied him passage to the finals,” Kananura added. Gashugi said that Cyiza’s opponent has more exposure and experience in international competitions.

When asked about his performance, Cyiza said, "My mission was to win gold but a single mistake cost me reaching the final. I am happy for the medal won and I will continue to work even harder if given any other opportunity to represent my country again. ”

En route to the semi final, Cyiza got a bye from the first round into the quarters. In the quarter final, he beat Mnell Mkambule from Swaziland.

The medal awarding ceremony will be held today at Botho University after the final matches.

Meanwhile, Team Rwanda captain James Sugira will be on track this afternoon in search for a place in the final of the 1500m whose heats kick off at 14.00 hours local time at the National Stadium in Botswana.

Sugira who will face a strong pool of athletes from hosts Botswana, Kenya, Ethiopia and South Africa among others is confident of making it into the finals.

"I am ready to run for a medal. I have had good preparations both in Kigali and in Gaborone for the few days we have been here,” he told Times Sport yesterday.

"I am in a fine mood and I think nothing can stop me from realising my target,” added the youthful athlete.

Sugira whose personal best is three minutes and fifty one seconds will run the heat stage after Sifa Ingabire who is expected to compete in the 800m heat stage at 14.20 hours local time.

Should the pair qualify, they will take part in the finals on Thursday.

Other athletes Venatie Mukawayisenga (1500m), Jean Baptista Tuyizere (800m) and Jean Marie Vianney Myasiro (3000m) will compete in their respective disciplines on Friday.

Karate

Karate players start their quest today at Boipuso hall, 3km from the athletes’ village. Lazia Uwase and David Fils Niyongabo will take part in the kata individual. 

On Thursday, Sakina Cyuzuzo, Fils David Niyongabo and Lazia Uwase will compete in the kumite individual; U-53, U-55 and Above 59 categories on Thursday.