THE national beach volleyball teams starts the battle for top honour today as the international zonal beach volleyball tournament gets underway at Nyali beach in Mombasa, Kenya.

Rwanda team leaves today aboard RwandAir and by press time coach Alexis Mbaraga was still sweating on the fitness of his star player Fidel Leon Mutesi, who has been struggling with an arm injury.

In the men’s category, Fabien Ndamukunda will team up with Jean Luc Mbonyuwuntuma and Mutesi who is expected to pair with Marchal Pierre Kwizera.

In the ladies category, Emiliene Uwineza will team up with Jeanette Niyigena while Charllotte Nzayisenga will team up with Judith Hakizimana.

Up to 13 countries have confirmed participation. Rwanda, who have proven the region’s ultimate beach volleyball kings after winning gold in the men’s category of the zonal 2010 CAVB face tough competition from hosts, Kenya.

Other countries expected to take part in the tourney include: Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Seychelles, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda.

The winner from this zone will face other zonal winners before determining the continental champion, who will play at the 2012 London Olympics Games.

Ends