Taekwondo team eye podium finish at All Africa Games

The national Taekwondo team can finish in the medal bracket position at the 11th All Africa Games scheduled for September 4-19 in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, according to the local Taekwondo federation secretary general Placide Bagabo. The Rwanda Taekwondo team will be making its second appearance at the multi-discipline continental competitions following a woeful debut four years ago in Maputo, Mozambique. Speaking to Times Sport on Tuesday, Bagabo said that Rwanda will be represented by three players including two male and one female. The three players are; team captain Regis Iyumba (58kgs), Martin Nduwayezu (54kgs) and Delphine Uwababyeyi (46kgs). They will be coached by Allan Irène Bagire. He stated that, “We didn’t have a good debut four years ago in Mozambique, but since then, there has been massive improvement on the part of individual players and Rwandan taekwondo in general, so I believe we will do a lot better this time round.” “Our target is to finish in the top three teams, we are confident in the players who are going to represent the country. They are experienced fighters and have had enough time for preparations,” Bagabo said. Asked which country he thinks would give Rwanda a run for their money, Bagabo pointed out two North African giants; Tunisia and Egypt. The three players plan to use the forthcoming annual Ambassador’s Cup, set for August 28-29, as part of their preparations for the All Africa Games. The two-day Ambassador’s Cup will attract competitors from Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, DR Congo and hosts Rwanda. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Taekwondo team eye podium finish at All Africa Games