Mauritius and Botswana earned slots to the final qualification tournament of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games men’s rugby 7s ahead of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda and Burundi.

The Southern African teams achieved this status in the pre-qualifiers for Africa - South that took place at the FERWAFA Ground near Amahoro Stadium in Remera on Saturday.

Mauritius lost the final 38-21 to Zambia who came into the tournament already qualified allowing Botswana, who defeated DRC 24-17 in the third position playoff, to take the second slot.

The Silverbacks succumbed to a second-half come back by the DRC to lose 21-33.

It was a crushing encounter for the Silverbacks but one they can pick some lessons from.

Despite improved defending in the second game, the Silverbacks could not hold out against a more organized Mauritius losing 14-0.

According to the Rwanda Rugby Federation (FRR) secretary general, Tharcisse Kamanda, the Silverbacks did not live up to their potential and were out-competed by the other teams who have better coaching arrangements.

"When you look at the Zambians, they are not that big but they played very well, they are all fit. We need to prepare very well and that takes a qualified national team coach, said Kamanda.

The Silverbacks employed Ugandan scrumhalf Kevin Makmot to coach the team one week to the tournament.

"In one week he was able to make a difference with the players. I wish we had called him earlier,” said Kamanda.

FRR are in talks with the Rwanda National Olympic and Sports Committee and the Ministry of Sports and Culture (MINISPOC) to acquire the services of a qualified coach.