Group A: Djibouti, Tanzania, Ethiopia and Kenya

Group B: Burundi, Somalia, Uganda, Rwanda, and Sudan  

RWANDA Under-20 national men’s handball team has upped preparations as the team readies to retain the 2018 Challenge Trophy tournament scheduled for May 14-20 in Kampala, Uganda.

After suffering financial constraints and almost pulling out of the competition, the Ministry of Sports and Culture (MINISPOC) and the handball federation have confirmed the team will be participating in the week-long regional tournament and the target is to retain the title.

Head coach Anaclet Bagirishya named a provisional 18-player squad that started residential camp on Wednesday, from which he will be releasing the final 14-man squad on Saturday (tomorrow) morning. The team will be departing for Kampala on Saturday evening.

The youthful U20 team has been training twice a day at Amahoro Stadium.

While talking to Times Sport yesterday, head coach Bagirishya said the mood in camp is excellent and players are fired up to reaffirm they are a regional powerhouse.

"All the players are young, energetic and experienced because they play for different sides in the national league. The ultimate target in Kampala is to win the tournament.

” Bagirishya said.

Rwanda emerged champions of the 2016 edition after winning all their matches to finish the only unbeaten side out of seven countries in the contest.

Full 18-man squad in squad

Credo Bruno Sengoga, Steve Niyongere, Samuel Mugabo, Ivan Mugisha, Samuel Mbesutunguwe, Ghadi Irampuhwe, Albert Musoni, Elysee Muhumure, Yannick Karenzi, Isaie Izabayo, Emery Ndayambaje, Jean Damascene Nsengiyaremye, Yves Kayijamahe, Cedric Murisanze, Emmanuel Iragena, Dieudonne Nsengiyumva,Iman Mumpe and Irene Mutoni.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw