The national beach volleyball teams (men and women) have entered a two-week training Camp in Rubavu at the shores of Lake Kivu in preparation for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games final round qualifiers expected to take place in March. The exact date and countries to host the event are yet to be announced by the Confederation of African Volleyball.

Rwanda Women’s and Men’s teams together with Egypt and Angola progressed to the final round last year in November after finishing in the top three of the second round qualifiers having played a round robin basis against Angola, Congo Brazzaville, Egypt and Zimbabwe in the women category, and against Chad, Namibia, DR Congo, Angola and Egypt in men’s category in Cairo, Egypt.

"We have begun preparations a bit earlier to allow us carry out thorough assessment of the players and correct some errors that we encountered in the previous competition,” said national team head Coach Jean Luc Ndayikengurukiye in an interview with Times Sport.

He further noted that the camp which has attracted a total of 16 players (eight men and eight women) is aimed at ensuring that players are ready.

"We have different players that we need to test on their abilities and if they work well we shall regroup them in the team to participate,” added Ndayikengurukiye

The players that have started camp include Flavien Ndamukunda, Patrick Ruzindana, Samuel Niyogisubizo, Pierre Marshal Kwizera, Olivier Ntagengwa, Fred Muvunyi, Oziel Ndahimana and Patrick Kavalo in the men’s category.

In the Women’s fray are Denise Mutatsimpundu, Charlotte Nzayisenga, Judith Hakizimana, Marie Grace Niyigena, Leah Uwimbabazi, Benita Mukandayisenga, Hope Musaniwabo and Dolce Muhawenimana.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw