In anticipation of the upcoming Africa Zone Sitting Volleyball Championships, a total of 28 players from the national women's and men's sitting volleyball teams have commenced an intensive residential training camp.
Scheduled to take place from January 29 to February 3 in Nigeria, the championships will bring together top teams from across the continent.
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Officials at the National Paralympic Committee (NPC Rwanda) have told Times Sport that the training camp will host a 28-member squad, comprising 14 men and 14 women.
Under the guidance of head coach Mossad Rashad, both teams are currently engaged in daily training sessions at Green Hills Academy in Kigali. The players are accommodated at Classic Hotel.
The upcoming competition is a significant one as it doubles as the qualifying event for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. The champions in both the women's and men's categories will earn the honour of representing Africa in the prestigious 2024 Paralympic Games.
The two teams have welcomed new players into their ranks. These include Marcienne Mahoro and Yvonne Imanishimwe in the women's team, and Janvier Sinayobye, Ezra Kubwimana, Léandre Muhawenimana, and Célestin Byumvuhore in the men's team.
The tournament is set to feature participation of eight countries, namely Algeria, Libya, Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and Rwanda.
Full squads:
Women’s Team:
Agnes Nyiranshimiyimana
Faustin Uwimpuhwe
Claudine Murebwayire
Sandrine Nyirambarushimana
Alice Musabyemariya
Marie Adeline Mucyo
Claudine Bazubagira
Solange Nyiraneza
Clementine Umutoni
Hosiana Mulisa
Liliane Mukobwankawe
Chantal Mutuyimana
Yvonne Imanishimwe
Marcianne Mahoro
Men’s Team:
Janvier Sinayobye
Ezra Kubwimana
Leandre Muhawenimana
Celestin Byumvuhore
Jean Baptiste Ndayisaba
Callixte Twagirayezu
Jean Claude Ndahiro
Callixte Uwizeyimana
Christophe Nyagatare
Jean Semana
Jean Bosco Ngizwenimana
Emile Cadet Vuningabo
Innocent Niyitegeka
Jean Baptiste Murema