After managing just a single win in the group stages of the African Nations’ volleyball Championships, it was very clear that Rwanda were struggling without their lethal centre blocker Jean Pierre Uwamahoro ‘Gasongo’.

The centre blocker who recently re-located to USA failed to link up with the team in Durban, South Africa citing a tense academic schedule at his college.

Before his departure, the former APR player had arguably turned into a very formidable player in the region after winning a number of individual accolades in different competitions.

Commenting on Rwanda’s performance in South Africa, the minister of Youth, Sports and Culture (Mijespoc) Joseph Habineza said that there was a very clear indication that Gasongo had been missed.

Responding to queries raised during Thursday’s Radio 10 sports program, Habineza indicated that Rwanda would have done a lot better with Gasongo in the team.

Habineza believes that Gasongo is one of the top center blockers on the continent and that his presence in the team would have made a big difference.

Rwanda lost their first two group games 2-3 against Cameroon and hosts South Africa before sealing off a consolation straight sets (3-0) win over group minnows Mozambique.

Even without Gasongo, Rwanda was too much for Mozambique who were making their debut appearance at the competition.
The event which attracted nine countries climaxes today with the final.

Ends