Rwanda athletics federation (RAF) has named a strong nine-man team which will take part in the 39th World Cross Country Championship scheduled for March 20 in Punta Umbria, Spain.

After the team was announced, RAF secretary general Constantin Twajamahoro told Times Sport that this is the final team which will battle for medals in Spain.

"We are confident the team can perform better and bring smiles back to Rwandans,” he noted in regards to the Rwandan team that has not participated in the last two editions of the world competition mainly due to lack of funds.

The team is composed of Europe-based quartet of Eric Sebahire, Gervais Hakizimana, Claudette Mukasakindi and Angelline Nyiransabimana.

Others include Slyvain Rukundo, Jean Baptista Simuceka, two-time Olympian Epiphanie Nyirabarame and Jacqueline Murekatete, who will compete in the juniors.

The team which is managed by Eric Karasira is currently camping at Hilltop hotel and holds training at Amahoro stadium, Remera.

Initially, the team was expected to camp in high altitude town of Musanze but financial constraints forced the federation to call it off and made athletes to prepare for the world event in Kigali.

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