APR women volleyball team have started intensive training at Amahoro Stadium ahead of this year’s Nyerere International Championship.

The tournament is due October 9-15 in Arusha, Tanzania.

It is expected that the week-long competitions will see about 1,000 athletes vying for honours under various disciplines. APR women will be the only Rwandan team.

According to officials, the team will leave the country on October 9.

Speaking to Saturday Sport, interim coach Josée Umutesi said that her players were in good spirits and working hard in training.

"The players look to be in good shape, and coping well with intensive training. The morale in camp is fantastic, and we are ready for the challenge ahead.”

Umutesi, however, also revealed that the team’s duo of youngsters Valentine Munezero and Penelope Musabyimana will not be part of the traveling team as they are due to represent the country at the upcoming Military Beach Volleyball World Cup in China from October 15-30.

Organised by Tanzania Amateur Volleyball Association (Tava) in honour of former Tanzania president, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, the volleyball showpiece will feature a total of 19 teams.

APR are winners of the women’s volleyball title in 2017.

editor@newtimesrwanda.com