RWANDA senior volleyball team right-attacker Nelson Murangwa, who flies out to Japan today for professional trials, says that if he passes the test, it would be an advantage for the national team.

Murangwa, 21, is going for a three-month professional trial with Japanese topflight league side Oita Miyoshi Weisse Adler.

Founded in 1994, Oita Miyoshi Weisse Adler, who play their league matches at Toto Oita factory Gymnasium, represented Japan at the 2014 Asian Men’s Club Volleyball Championships.

Murangwa’s departure is a huge blow for league title contenders Rayon Sports, but speaking to Sunday Sport on Friday, the 2.08-meter former national youth team player insisted that his teammates can achieve a lot without him.

He said: "I am confident Rayon can still achieve a lot with or without me, we have an experienced coach (Fidele Nyirimana), who will help the team adapt to any situation. However, I’m also sad for leaving when my team needs most.” 

"But this is my dream to play professional volleyball, and I will do everything possible to impress during the trial period. Getting a pro contract with Weisse Adler is my top priority.” he added.

He also noted that turning professional is an advantage for the national team, "If I pass trials, it will not only help me realise a dream but also a big advantage for the national team. The team has not been able to achieve big things at the international level due lack of enough experienced professionals.”

Murangwa shot to the lime light last year with the national U21 team that finished second runners-up in African Championships to qualify for 2013 World Championships in Turkey.

If he succeeds in earning a professional contract, he will follow in the footsteps of national team captain Christopher Mukunzi, Lawrence Yakan Guma and Madison Sibomana.