The national U23 women volleyball team started residential training camp on Sunday as they embark on the final preparation phase ahead of the of Africa U23 Women Championships which will be held from October 18-28 in Nairobi, Kenya.

The team, under the tutelage of Paul Bitok, carried out its first training session on Sunday evening at Amahoro Indoor Stadium. Bitok is being assisted by Christophe Mudahinyuka and team is staying at La Palisse Nyandungu.

Bitok, who guided both the boys’ youth and junior team to the World Championships two years ago, is hoping for a repeat with the girls’ team against major teams led by the defending champions Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria, Senegal, Botswana and hosts Kenya.

"We have to give our best in the tournament. We are going to face strong teams so we have to prepare well and see if we can get good results,” said Bitok.

This is the second edition of this age-grade category after the first one held in Algeria 2014, this will also act as a qualifier for the FIVB World Championship of this age group in 2017.

The championship is open to players born on 1st January 1995 or after as CAVB determined the deadline to participate on October 4.

Players in camp:

Claudine Musanabageni (GS Indangaburezi), Dimitri Muhimundu (APR), Olive Mutamba (APR), Delphine Uwicyeza (APR), Lea Uwimbabazi (GS Indangaburezi), Pascaline Mukashyaka (APR), Lorande Ingabire (RRA), Belyse Ingabire (GS Indangaburezi), Seraphine Mukantambara (RRA).

Hope Musaniwabo (ST Alloys), Benita Mukandayisenga (St Alloys), Marie Grace Niyigena (RRA), Louise Umuhoza (St Alloys), Honorine Ishimwe (St Alloys), Olive Nzamukosha (St Alloys), Jacqueline Uwamariya (St Alloys) and Flavia Dusabe (St Alloys).

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