Frédéric Guérin names Rwanda preliminary squad for 2026 Women’s African Volleyball Championship

Rwanda women’s national volleyball team head coach Frédéric Guérin has named a 20-player provisional squad for the 2026 CAVB Women’s African Nations Championship, with preparations officially getting underway as the team targets a strong campaign at the continental showpiece in Kenya next month.

Training begins today at the NPC Gymnasium in Kigali, where the selected players will battle for places in the final squad that will represent Rwanda at the championship.

The preliminary squad features a blend of experienced internationals and emerging talents drawn from the country’s leading clubs, including ‘APR VC, Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA), Police VC and Kepler VC’.

Among the setters called up are Ndagijimana Iris, Ndagijimana Nancy and Mpuhwezimana Diane, while the middle blockers include Uwiringiyimana Albertine, Musanivabo Hope, Musabyemariya Donatha, Umutoni Anitha, Uwiragiye Sandrine and Dusabe Flavia.

The receivers selected are Munzero Valentine, Uwase Claire, Nzamukosha Olive, Tuyishime Angelique, Mukandayisenga Benitha and Tuyishimire Aloysia, with Yankurije Françoise and Nyirahabimana Divine named as opposites.

The libero positions are occupied by Kabatesi Judith, Uzamukunda Fillette and Uwimbabazi Lea.

The French tactician will be assisted by Hatumimana Christian and Igizo Cyuzuzo Yvette, while Murangwa Usenga Sandrine serves as the team’s physical trainer.

The 2026 Women’s African Nations Championship is scheduled to take place in Nairobi, Kenya, from August 23 to September 5, with 16 national teams expected to compete in what will be the 21st edition of Africa’s premier women’s volleyball championship.

The tournament is organized by the Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB) and also serves as an important qualification pathway for future international competitions.

Traditional continental powerhouses Egypt, Kenya, Cameroon, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Uganda and Rwanda are among the countries expected to participate, alongside other qualified teams from the six CAVB zones.

Kenya will be looking to capitalize on home advantage as it hosts the championship for another time after establishing itself as one of Africa’s volleyball strongholds.

Rwanda’s team hopes its intensive preparations in Kigali will provide the platform for a successful campaign as it seeks to make history at the 2026 Women’s African Nations Championship in Kenya.

Photos

Rwanda women’s national volleyball team head coach Frédéric Guérin

Preliminary Squad for 2026 Women’s African Volleyball Championship.