As the world battles the Covid-19 pandemic, Rwanda volleyball star Fred Musoni has said that keeping fit at home will be vital for athletes when the competitions resume after the lockdown.

The pandemic has affected sport at all dimensions, with almost all events – in all disciplines – either cancelled or suspended since mid-March.

Many countries across the world, including Rwanda, are now under lockdown, with people staying in their homes to avoid contracting or spreading the COVID-19 virus.

Speaking to Times Sport on Saturday, April 18, Musoni reminded that exercising does not only help athletes to stay physically fit, but it is also vital for their mental wellbeing.

"Physical activity keeps me fit and ready for competition once the lockdown is over, but it is also important for one’s mental wellbeing,” he said.

Musoni, who plies his trade with local outfit UTB in the National Volleyball League, says that he has a set of exercises he does to improve his skills and keep him in shape during this time of uncertainty.

"In a time like this, there are a lot of exercises you can do that require little to now equipment such as jumping rope, plank, sit-ups, leg and back drills, etc..

"The objective is to remain active, and try to improve every day.”

Before the local top tier volleyball league was suspended last month, UTB were third-placed on the table, only behind leaders Rwanda Energy Group (REG) and two-time champions Gisagara.

However, his side have already claimed two titles – the Gisaka Open and Heroes Cup – in the 2019/2020 season, on top of the preseason tournament’s triumph.

The former APR volleyball club skipper urges fellow sportsmen and women not to waste their lockdown time at home, but rather take it as a chance to work on their individual weaknesses.

"This is a good time for athletes to challenge and improve on our weak points at individual level. We should not see it as a time for vacation, especially since most leagues (not just volleyball) were suspended halfway.”

"The season is not over.”

Musoni, who was part of the Rwanda U21 team that competed at the 2013 FIVB U21 Men’s World Volleyball Championships in Turkey, has represented the country in over 60 games under different age categories.

The 28-year middle blocker also helped Rwanda to finish fourth at the 2015 All-Africa Games, and has featured three times at the African Volleyball Championship finals.

He joined UTB at the beginning of the 2019-20 season after four years with Finnish side Karalian Humos.