The national U18 beach volleyball teams, boys and girls, departed for Algeria on Sunday afternoon, at 4pm aboard Qatar Airways, ahead of the 2018 African Youth Games.

The 3rd African Youth Games competition is due July18-28 in the Algerian capital – Algiers.

Rwanda’s beach volleyball duo in the male category is composed of Cedrick Kageruka while their female counterparts are; Valentine Munezero and Penelope Musabyimana. The two teams are under the watchful eye of Christophe Mudahinyuka.

According to coach Mudahinyuka, the target is Algeria is ‘at least’ to reach in the finals and qualify for this year’s Youth Olympic Games slated October 6-18 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

"Right now we don’t know who we will meet first, since the draws will be held on Wednesday (July 18). What we know is we should be ready and confident to face anyone. Our mission is to win medals and qualify for Youth Olympics,” Mudahinyuka told Times Sport yesterday in an exclusive interview shortly before the team’s take-off at Kigali International Airport.

In girls’ category, the Rwandan ladies are not dark horses on international stage. Last year, Musabyimana and Munezero made history by finishing in third place at the Commonwealth Youth Games in Nassau, Bahamas.

A total of 13 athletes across three different disciplines will carry the country’s quest for African Youth Games medals.

Besides beach volleyball, Rwanda will also be represented in karate and athletics – both delegations will be heading to Algeria on July 20.

At the 2014 edition, Rwanda won gold in girls’ category through Selphine Mukantambara and Lea Uwimbabazi after beating Namibia in the final while the country finished in fifth position to secure the final ticket to the 2014 Youth Olympic Games in China.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw