Rwanda national men’s senior volleyball team head coach Paul Bitok has named a provisional 22-man squad to start preparations for the forthcoming CAVB men’s African Nations Championship set to take place from July 22-30 in Cairo, Egypt.

The confirmation comes after weeks of suspense on whether the team would compete in the tournament that attracts the top volleyball playing nations on the continent.

The provisional squad, which is dominated by local players, reported to residential training camp at La Palisse hotel on Wednesday evening and the team will have daily double training sessions at Amahoro indoor stadium until July 19, the day of departure.

Bitok is concerned that the team started preparations quite late compared to their rivals, but expressed optimism that his players are professional enough to do the needful in Cairo, a competition which teams will be using to prepare for All Africa Games set for September 4–19 in Congo Brazzaville.

"We started our preparations late but we are glad we will finally participate, we almost missed the tournament due to delay in getting funding. Nonetheless, I’m confident my players are professional enough to utilize the little time available,” the former Kenya national team skipper said yesterday.

Team skipper Christophe Mukunzi and left-attack Yakan Lawrence, who have just recovered from injuries have been included in the provisional squad.

Bitok will name the final 14-player team on July 17.

Provisional squad:

Setters: Hervé Kagimbura, Ivan Mahoro Nsabimana, Eugène Tuyishime and Jean Paul SibomanaMiddle blockers: Théodore Muyango, Fred Musoni, Fabrice Nkezabahizi, Vincent Dusabimana, William Mudaheranwa and Pierre Marshal Kwizera.

Right attackers: Olivier Ntagengwa, Christophe Mukunzi, Flavien Ndamukunda, Samuel Niyogisubizo, Patrick Kavalo and Aimable Mutuyimana

Left attackers: Nelson Murangwa, Yves Mutabazi and Yakan Lawrence Guma.

Libero: Bosco Mutabazi, Emile Karera and Théophile Ngabo

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