Rwanda’s women’s national volleyball team has headed to Nairobi, Kenya, to compete in the 2026 CAVB Women’s African Nations Championship, with qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games among the major stakes at the continental tournament.
Sports Minister Nelly Mukazayire handed the national flag to the team on Saturday, August 22, as the players prepared to represent Rwanda at the championship, which runs from August 23 to September 5.
Mukazayire urged the players to represent the country with determination and deliver a strong performance on the continental stage.
The ceremony was also attended by Rwanda Volleyball Federation President Raphaël Ngarambe and Secretary General Jacques Dushime.
Head coach Frédéric Guérin named a 14-player squad led by captain Munezero Valentin. The team includes setters Mpuhwezimana Diane and Ndagijimana Iris; middle blockers Musaniwabo Hope, Musabyemariya Donatha, Umutoni Anitha and Dusabe Flavia; and liberos Uwimbabazi Lea and Uzamukunda Fillette.
Outside hitters are Munezero Valentin, Tuyishime Aloysie, Mukandayisenga Benitha and Nzamukosha Olive, while Yankurije Francoise and Nyirahabimana Marie Divine will play as opposite hitters.
Guérin will be assisted by Hatumimana Christian, head coach of Police WFC, and Igihozo Cyuzuzo Yvette, assistant coach at APR WVC.
The championship features 16 teams competing in Nairobi, with qualification for the 2027 FIVB Volleyball World Championship and the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles among the tournament’s key objectives.
Kenya enters the competition as defending champion after winning the 2023 edition in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Rwanda finished fourth in that tournament, which featured 12 teams.
With Rwanda aiming to improve on its previous continental finish, the Nairobi tournament offers the team an opportunity to compete for a podium place and strengthen its hopes of reaching the world’s biggest sporting stages.
