Rwanda men’s senior national volleyball team sets off for Cameroon this afternoon for friendly matches against Cameroonian national team ahead of the FIVB Africa Zone Five Championships slated for next month in Kigali.

The two national sides will play three friendlies on April 23, 24 and 25 respectively.

Coach Paul Bitok is adamant that the team can cope without their inspirational captain Christophe Mukunzi who got injured during a league game early this month.

"Losing Mukunzi is a big blow especially in terms of his experience and the maturity he brings on court but we are doing everything to cover up the gap. I believe friendlies against Cameroon will give us a good assessment of the team,” Bitok told Times Sport yesterday.

Bitok also said that he has been impressed by youthful duo, Ivan Mahoro (setter) and left-attacker Nelson Murangwa who are products of the U-21 team that competed at the 2013 FIVB U-21 World Championships.

The team that leaves for Cameroon this afternoon includes 14 players and will land in Douara at 6:45 pm before holding a training session ahead of their first game against the hosts. 

Full squad

Ivan Mahoro NsabimanaEmile KareraEugene TuyishimeSylvestre NdayisabyeBosco Mutabazi MbonyijuruFlavien NdamukundaOlivier NtagengwaLawrence Guma YakanaYves MutabaziNelson MurangwaPierre Marshal KwizeraAdolphe MutoniFred MusoniVincent Dusabimana

editorial@newtimes.co.rw