VOLLEYBALL NATIONAL team head coach Paul Bitok has named the U-21 team ahead of the World Junior Championships set for August 22 to September 1 in the Turkish cities of Ankara and Izmir.
SaturdayFriendly matchAll Stars vs U-21 team 11amVOLLEYBALL NATIONAL team head coach Paul Bitok has named the U-21 team ahead of the World Junior Championships set for August 22 to September 1 in the Turkish cities of Ankara and Izmir.The team has already started preparations for the tournament and will depart for Turkey on Monday for a two-week training camp and to play some build-up games before the world meet starts.As part of their preparations, the junior team will play a warm up match this Saturday against a select ‘All Stars side led by national team captain Christophe Mukunzi, Mathew Rwanyonga, Pierre Kwizera Marchal, Eric Nsabimana Machine, Flavien Ndamukaunda, Olivier Ntagengwa and Adolphe Mutoni among others."This is a good game to test the level of the junior team players,” Bitok said, adding that, "We are trying to fix some warm up games before we make our debut in the world championship at this level.”He added, "I hope the boys will improve and get experience because all have been playing in the league, playing the big games and we will continue to work in order to improve the level of players.”Rwanda is drawn in a tricky group C with Serbia, US, Canada and Tunisia. In Pool D, Russia will battle Brazil, France, Venezuela and 2012 European champions Italy.African champions Egypt and silver medalists Morocco were drawn together in Pool A alongside hosts Turkey, China and India, while Pool B is comprised of Argentina, Iran, Japan, Mexico and Estonia.Full Squad: Skipper Aimable ‘Ginho’ Mutuyimana (left attacker) Musoni Fred (Center), Fabrice Bahizi (center), Bonny Mutabazi (setter) Yves Mutabazi and Barack Rugira (left attacker) all from APR, Ivan Mahoro Nsabimana (setter), Nelson Murangwa (right attacker), Peter Bigirimana (libero) from Inatek, Patrick Rudakubana, Fred Muvunyi from Groupe St Joseph Kabgayi and Samuel Nigisubizo Tyson from Kigali Volleyball Club.