The National U20 handball team yesterday departed for Uganda ahead of the 2018 Challenge Trophy slated for May 14-20 in Kampala.

The team held their last training session on Saturday morning at Amahoro stadium before coach Anaclet Bagirishya trimmed the 18-man provisional team to a 14 players.

"I have been impressed by the morale and determination from each of the 14 players. We are traveling to Uganda to fight and retain the championship,” Bagirishya said.

The Rwandan youngsters will begin the quest for title defense against the hosts Uganda on Monday (tomorrow) before taking Burundi on May 17 and wrap up the group stages against Somalia the following day.

The winners of the week-long regional competition will earn a ticket to finals of the continental championship.

Final 14-man squad for the tournament

Bruno Sengoga, Steve Niyongere, Samuel Mugabo, Ivan Mugisha, Samuel Mbesutunguwe, Ghadi Irampuhwe, Albert Musoni, Elysee Muhumure, Yannick Karenzi, Isaie Izabayo, Emery Ndayambaje, Jean Nsengiyaremye, Yves Kayijamahe, Emmanuel Iragena and Irene Mutoni

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