Olympics: Aggressive 3rd Set For Malkia Strikers, Was Chumba A Glimmer In The Fight?

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July 25, 2021

malkia strikers chumba — Kenya's Chumba | Photo Credit: volleyballworld.com

The Malkia Strikers’ return to the Olympics served off to a displeasing loss but one that raised interest in Chumba’s skills.

Kenya women’s volleyball side launched their Tokyo Olympics campaign with a displeasing loss to a more experienced, Japan. The Malkia Strikers last participated in the Olympics at the Sydney 2000 Summer Olympics and Athens 2004 Summer Olympics where they emerged 11th on both occasions.

This edition of the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics was a long-awaited come back for the African Women representatives.

It was not all smiles for the Kenya women’s volleyball team after losing their opening match against the host, Japan. Under the guidance of the head coach, Kumi Nakada, Japan made a clear statement that they match favorite after winning the first two sets 25-15 and 25-11.

The tables seemed to turn in the 3rd set when Kenya gained composure to take control of the game. Key player Chumba alone made almost half the points for Kenya in this set. The opposite went ahead to claim the match top scorer.

However, this performance form Kenya from was not enough to shake a more resilient and experienced Japan. For in the game you would this Kenya would take back one set but this was not what japan had in mind.

The main highlight of the game came in the 3rd set when Kenya exhibited the best performance with the match top scorer attacking the ball 11 times. One could think Japan had given the set away but the reverse was true.

It was a close set for Japan who back to lead 24-23 and it was at this point that Kenya had to kill the host’s set point but unfortunately Chumba put the ball in the net. Many athletes can relate to the devastation going through Kenya after this very last act. Match ended 3-0, 3rd set 25-23.

After that 3rd set performance, there is no doubt Kenya can perform better, and just like fellow Africans in Tunisia, we expect to see better exhibitions. Kenya faces Korea on Tuesday, 27th July in the upcoming preliminary round.

Better luck next time for The Malkia Strikers!

Olympics: Wassim Ben Tara’s Splendid Act, Tunisia In debt After First Game

By

Kenneth Lwanga

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July 25, 2021

wassim ben taras splendid for tunisia — Tunisia's Wassim Ben Tara | Photo Credit: volleyballworld.com

Tunisia fall to Brazil in their Olympics match opener, however, Wassim Ben Tara displays well for his nation against the tournament’s favorite.

Introduction

Tunisia performed outstandingly well, nonetheless, it was not enough to bar the tourney favorites, Brazil from scooping first win. It was a tough fight for the African volleyball representatives who had to commence the competition with a top-class. The match ended 3-0

For the most part of the game, the North Africans led the game. Sets 1 and 2 were not a piece of cake for Brazil who trailed but later came back to secure these sets (25-22) and (25-20) and later to register their first win in set 3 (25-15).

Brazil showed its strength in the ability to come back from behind and also gaining various points from attacking the ball more than the opponent. Tunisia on the other hand gained more points than Brazil through blocks plus exhibited proper reception of the ball.

Wallace de Souza led the scoring charts for Brazil with 13 points out of the 34 attempts he made.

Main 2

The main event of the match came from opposite player, Wassim Ben Tara. Despite losing the match, Wassim showed tremendous stats for his nation after scoring 13 points, attacking 11 times, and blocking twice to make this score. The 24-year-old also hit the highest speeds on the ball of 120 Km/h

Wassim is not new to volleyball as he has had stints in France for teams including ASUL Lyon Volley, Chaumont VB 52, GFC Ajaccio VB, and currently playing for Polish club Stal Nysa Spółka Akcyjna.

Wassim won the 2013 CAVB U21 African Championship, the 2014 CAVB U23 African Championship, the 37th edition of the CEV Challenge Cup with Chaumont VB 52, 2016/2017 French Championship, with Chaumont VB 52, and2017/2018 French SuperCup, with Chaumont VB 52.

However much Tunisia lost their opener, with this performance against a stronger challenger, we should expect much fitting action from the African side going forward. Tunisia faces France in the upcoming preliminary round on Monday, 26th July.

Uganda Volleyball Cranes Start Preparations For The World Championships

By

Kenneth Lwanga

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July 23, 2021

The national volleyball team, Uganda Volleyball Cranes start arrangements for the upcoming championship slated for next month.

At a press conference held at the offices on the first floor of Unicalo building Lugogo, the Uganda Volleyball Federation announced its interest in the men’s senior volleyball team to participate in the World Championship Qualifiers.

Journalists from various media houses were there to witness the unveiling of the team that will take part in preparing the nation’s senior squad for the event. The 1st Vice President, Ahmed Kigundu officially announced the technical team including Head Coach Shilla Omuriwe Buyungo, Assistant Head Coach Luke Eitit, Statistician Chris Womukota, Senior Advisor Nason Bwesigye, and Team Manager Ahmed Kigundu.

“It is an honor to be selected as the Head Coach of the Uganda national team. I have worked with men’s sides in the games so this is a task I am ready, so excited, and looking forward to,” said the head coach.

18 players were called to take part in a residential camp that will take place for the next four weeks and from these, 4 players will be dropped to make way for the final squad. Newcomers including Brian Atuhaire, Gideon Angiro, Emmanuel Okia, Nathan Okare, Moses Odeke, and Marino Oboke have their work cut out to make the final squad.

Kiggundu Abdallah – Vice President of The Uganda Volleyball federation

“Looking at what is happening on the continent, other nations have already started their participation especially the Arab side. As I’m speaking some of them are in Europe preparing their National Teams. We are late but not really late given the standing conditions within our country,” said 1st Vice President Ahmed Kigundu.

Summoned Players:

Allan Ejiet – KAVC
Bernard Malinga – Nemostars
Brian Atuhaire – Sport-S
Daudi Okello – KAVC
Dickens Otim – Sport -S
Emma Elanyu – Nemostars
Emmanuel Okia -Ndejje
George Aporu – Nemostars
Gideon Angiro – KCCA
Ivan Ongom – OBB
Johnson Rukundo – Sport -S
Jonathan Tumukunde – Nemostars
Marino Oboke – Sport-S
Moses Odeke – UCU
Nathan Okare -OBB
Sam Engwau – VVC
Sharif Nabanji – OBB
Smith Okumu – Nemostars

USA pairs dominated the podium in the 2 Star Rubavu Beach Volleyball Tour.

By

Ground Sports

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July 19, 2021

USA pairs dominated the podium in the 2 Star Rubavu Beach Volleyball Tour. — USA won gold medals in both men's and women's categories in Rubavu Beach Volleyball Tour 2-star | Photo credit: Kigali Today

The FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour 2-star tournament in Rubavu concluded with the USA winning gold in both men’s and women’s categories.

Rwanda was elevated to host a 2-star beach volleyball tournament after successfully accommodating their maiden 1-star tourney back in late August 2019

In 2019, Japanese pair Shoji Kurasaka and Kensuke Shoji clinched the men’s gold after overpowering a Danish duo 2-1, whereas the Netherlands’ Mexime van Driel and Iris Reinders won gold in the women’s category after a triumphant victory against Denmark’s Signe Zibrandtsen Haaning and Cecile Kollner Olsen.

The tournament was back to the spectacular sandy shores of Lake Kivu in Rubavu but this time up 1 notch to a 2-star. The Rubavu Beach Volleyball World Tour lasted 5 days and concluded on Sunday, July 18, 2021.

The USA dominated the podium, winning gold in both men’s and women’s categories. In the men’s category, the gold medal was won by Chaim Schalk and Theodore Brunner, who defeated their compatriots Chase Budinger and Troy Field 2-0 (25-23, 21-15).

In the women’s category, USA pair, Sarah Hughes and Emily Day collected the gold medals, after defeating the Germans Chantal Laboureur and Sarah Schulz 2-1 sets (19-21, 21-13, 16-14).

Day and Hughes fought for their first victory as a team | Photo Credit: FRVB

In this competition, Rwanda was represented by four pairs consisting of two men’s and two women’s pairs. Charlotte Nzayisenga and Valentine Munezero managed to reach the last 16 and got eliminated by Ukrainians Inna Makhno and Iryna Makhno 2-0 (21-7, 21-9).

The tournament was held under strict guidelines to prevent the spread of Covid-19 with no fans. As usual, games on the sand are considered festive and holiday parties.

The Kenya Lionesses Overpower Egypt to win Zone V and qualify for the 2021 AfroBasket

By

Evode Munyeshuri

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July 18, 2021

The Kenya lionesses flourished against Egypt 99-83 to win the Zone V and book a ticket to the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket in a six-day tournament played at Kigali Arena in Rwanda.

Kenya started the tournament losing against hosts Rwanda, won the second encounter against South Sudan before suffering a heartbreak against Egypt in a game that ended 107-106, which made them finish in third place.

In the semi-finals, The Kenya Lionesses came back stronger and revenge against Rwanda to advance to the final in hopes of participation in the AfroBasket scheduled in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

On Saturday, July 18, 2021, the very motivated and energetic side, Kenya, came away victorious in a well-deserving victory 99-83 against Egypt.

The Kenyans led the Egyptians 29-24 in the first quarter and held a 50-42 advantage at the break. Kenya was still ahead 77-69 after the third quarter with the same momentum in the fourth to finish off the game in style, 99-83

Victoria Reynolds, debuting for Kenya in this tournament, recorded a game-high 25 points on 10 for 13 shooting, including 2 of 2 from beyond the arc. She finished the game with 76 FG%

The USA-based player who was aiming to qualify for her native country and followed in the footsteps of her father “Ben Wanjara” who represented Kenya in the 1993 AfroBasket, was also awarded as the tournament’s best small forward as well as the tournament’s most valuable player.

Victoria Reynolds, The Best small forward and MVP of 2021 Zone 5 tournament | Photo Credit: FERWABA

South Sudan Captain, Nyaduoth Lok was awarded as the best point guard of the tournament | Photo Credit: FERWABA

Rwanda’s Skipper, Tierra Henderson named the tournament best shooting guard | Photo Credit: FERWABA

Kenya’s Felmas Koranga, The best power forward | Photo Credit: FERWABA

the best center award goes to Egyptian center, Raneem El Gedawy | Photo Credit : FERWABA

2021 women’s Zone 5 tournament best five

The Fair Play Award goes to South Sudan. They made their international debut in this competition

The Kenya Lionesses join the hosts Cameroon, 2019 champions Nigeria, finalists Senegal, third-place Mali as well as the fourth semi-finalists, Mozambique who automatically qualified for the event.

Cape Verde will represent Zone 2 while other zones are to complete their qualification games before the end of the month. 2 wild cards are expected to be given.

Rwanda Women’s U20 Volleyball Team Emerge 15th In The World Champs

By

Evode Munyeshuri

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July 18, 2021

It was a battle well fought for the Rwanda ladies after ending their World Championships expedition in 15th place.

Just like any other team that ventures in competition, Rwanda came into the U20 Volleyball World Championships to win. This was not the case for the ladies from the country of a thousand hills as they didn’t register a single win.

However, this does not go as a deterioration but rather a triumph for the team that had the youngest player in the tournament, libero Yvonne Mugwaneza. Preparing a national team for an event at an international level takes quite a lot of work and later on during this pandemic.

A big Kudos to the Rwanda volleyball governing body FRVB for giving the young ladies an opportunity to represent their nation. Playing at this level is yet another huge step at building the team that will later in the future play at the senior level.

Rwanda played their closing match against co-host Belgium who was a better team for the entire match ending 3-0 (25-14, 25-13, 25-13). “It was a good match. We came to win, but it did not happen,” said Albertine Uwiringiyimana, middle blocker, and captain of Rwanda.

Rwanda played against stronger opponents in this competition and though they gave away all encounters, they flourished through the experience picked up. “Playing against such strong teams, learning from their experience, this is a once in a lifetime experience that I am enjoying to the fullest!” said libero Yvonne Mugwaneza.

“I started training volleyball three years ago, watching my sister playing it. It happened also to a lot of my teammates – we look up to our elder siblings who play the sport, and learn from them,” Yvonne said.

A brighter future surely comes ahead for the ladies of this young Rwanda team and one would not be surprised to see again playing at an even more professional level.

Rwanda finished 15th ahead of Puerto Rico, which pulled out before the start of the competition. Belgium will face Thailand to battle for 13th place.

Eritrea Hold Hosts Ethiopia To A Throbbing 3-All Draw At The CECAFA U23 Tournament

By

Kenneth Lwanga

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July 18, 2021

Ethiopia Vs Eritrea — Photo Credit: CECAFA OnLine

Ethiopia and Eritrea’s concluded with neither gaining victory but rather a pulsating start to the CECAFA U23 Tournament in a 3-all encounter.

It was Eritrea’s Ali Suleiman Ibrahim who saved the day after netting three back-to-back come-backs to grab one point for his U23 side. This performance also earned the young lad the first man of the match accolade of this CECAFA U23 Tournament.

“We missed several scoring chances, but we shall try to correct our mistakes ahead of our next game against Burundi,” said Ethiopia’s head coach Wubetu Abate.

Ethiopia opened the scores in this Pool B game in front of 15000 spectators at the Bahir Dar Stadium thanks to William Solomo Tesfae putting one past Eritrea’s shot-stopper Kibrom Solomon Haile.

Ali Suleiman Ibrahim made no mistake in the 38th minute to level it after missing three chances but Ethiopia made it 2-1 only 3 minutes later through a penalty converted by skipper Abubeker Nasir Ahmed. This was not enough for Ali Suleiman Ibrahim who recorded his second goal after chipping advancing goalkeeper Jimma.

The match ended 3-3 after Abubeker Nasir Ahmed restored the lead for Ethiopia in the 56th minute and thereafter a penalty for Eritrea converted Ali Suleiman Ibrahim to cancel the host’s lead in the 72nd minute.

“We shall continue working hard to make sure we perform better in our next game,” said coach Mekonen Zewde Abraha.

Eritrea will play Burundi on July 20 before the latter faces host Ethiopia.

Cecafa U23 Pools

Pool A: Uganda, Tanzania, DR Congo
Pool B: Ethiopia, Burundi, Eritrea
Pool C: Djibouti, South Sudan, Kenya

Rwanda pulled out of the tournament citing issues pertaining to COVID-19

Women’s AfroBasket Qualifiers: Rwanda Overcome South Sudan to finish second in the group stage

By

Evode Munyeshuri

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July 15, 2021

Rwanda National Women’s Basketball Team clinched 2nd place in 2021 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Zone 5 Qualifiers group stage games after outplaying South Sudan 65-52.

Wednesday evening at Kigali Arena, the group stage games of Zone V qualifiers concluded with Rwanda finishing in second place behind undefeated Egypt.

Rwanda, under the leadership of Dr. Cheikh Sarr, recorded 2 wins and 1 defeat in the 3 games played. They will challenge the Kenya Lionesses in the semi-finals on Friday, the team they overwhelmed in the match opener 77-45. The final and third-place games will be played on Saturday, July 17, 2021.

The winner of this qualifier will earn a spot in the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket 2021 arranged in Yaoundé, Cameroon from September 17th to 26th, 2021.

With the inclusion of the hosts Cameroon, 2019 champions Nigeria, finalists Senegal, third-place Mali as well as the fourth semi-finalists Mozambique automatically qualified for the event.

Cape Verde will represent Zone 2 after beating Guinea in Conakry in a two-game-series qualifier. Only two countries participated.

Other zones are to complete their qualification games before the end of the month.

CECAFA Women’s Champions League Delayed.

By

Kenneth Lwanga

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July 15, 2021

CECAFA Women's Champions League Delayed.

The CECAFA Zonal Women’s Champions League Qualifiers matched for 17th July to 1st August in Nairobi will be delayed.

The communication was made on the Council of East and Central Africa Football Association Media pages yesterday after Auka Gecheo, the Executive Director announced on Tuesday.

“After consultations, it has been decided that the WCL qualifiers slated for 17th July to 1st August in Nairobi, will not take place as scheduled,” said the Executive Director.

The development comes a week after the draw for the CECAFA Zonal Women’s Champions League qualifiers were made.

Rwanda’s Women’s Champions Scandinavia WFC withdrew from the competition despite being drawn in Group C together with FAD (Djibouti) and Vihiga Queens (Kenya) citing COVID-19 related issues.

The other teams that qualified to play in the qualifiers include; Lady Doves WFC (Uganda), PVP Fc (Burundi), Simba Queens (Tanzania), Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (Ethiopia), Yei Joint Stars FC (South Sudan) and New Generations FC (Zanzibar).

2021 Women’s AfroBasket: Rwanda and Egypt won the openers as the qualifiers tournament began in Zone V

By

Evode Munyeshuri

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July 13, 2021

Rwanda routed Kenya 77-45 in the first game of the 2021 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Zone 5 Qualifiers while Egypt showed no mercy to South Sudan, who is making their debut international game.

July 12, 2021, in the AfroBasket Zone Five qualifiers tournament in Kigali, Rwanda women’s national team captain, Tierra Henderson recorded an unbelievable performance as her 23 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists led her home country to a 77-45 triumph over Kenya. She used her dynamic set of skills to get there.

Another excellent performance was from USA-based Bella Murekatete who came out aggressive, collecting a stat line of 13 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists.

However, we cannot forget to highlight performances by Sifa Ineza. Young Sifa, in the second period of the game, hit back-to-back three-pointers from the same spot on the court to speed up the lead.

On the other hand, Mercy Wanyama, who scored 13 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, was the most efficient in the Kenyan team.

Earlier, forward Raneem Elgedawy led Egypt to a convincing win over South Sudan with 23 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, Hagar Amer followed with 19 points and Soraya Degheidy tapped 14 points.

Nyamer Lual Diew was the only player to score in double digits for Lindsey Harding’s squad, and she finished the game with 16 points. This was the first official international game for the South Sudan women’s basketball team. The match ended 95-65

Kenya faces South Sudan on Tuesday, July 13 at 3:00 pm local time before Rwanda plays Egypt at 6:00 pm on the same day. All the games are at Kigali Arena.

Olympics: Aggressive 3rd Set For Malkia Strikers, Was Chumba A Glimmer In The Fight?

The Malkia Strikers’ return to the Olympics served off to a displeasing loss but one that raised interest in Chumba’s skills.

Olympics: Wassim Ben Tara’s Splendid Act, Tunisia In debt After First Game

Tunisia fall to Brazil in their Olympics match opener, however, Wassim Ben Tara displays well for his nation against the tournament’s favorite.

Introduction

Main 2

Uganda Volleyball Cranes Start Preparations For The World Championships

The national volleyball team, Uganda Volleyball Cranes start arrangements for the upcoming championship slated for next month.

USA pairs dominated the podium in the 2 Star Rubavu Beach Volleyball Tour.

The FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour 2-star tournament in Rubavu concluded with the USA winning gold in both men’s and women’s categories.

The Kenya Lionesses Overpower Egypt to win Zone V and qualify for the 2021 AfroBasket

The Kenya lionesses flourished against Egypt 99-83 to win the Zone V and book a ticket to the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket in a six-day tournament played at Kigali Arena in Rwanda.

Rwanda Women’s U20 Volleyball Team Emerge 15th In The World Champs

It was a battle well fought for the Rwanda ladies after ending their World Championships expedition in 15th place.

Eritrea Hold Hosts Ethiopia To A Throbbing 3-All Draw At The CECAFA U23 Tournament

Ethiopia and Eritrea’s concluded with neither gaining victory but rather a pulsating start to the CECAFA U23 Tournament in a 3-all encounter.

Women’s AfroBasket Qualifiers: Rwanda Overcome South Sudan to finish second in the group stage

Rwanda National Women’s Basketball Team clinched 2nd place in 2021 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Zone 5 Qualifiers group stage games after outplaying South Sudan 65-52.

CECAFA Women’s Champions League Delayed.

The CECAFA Zonal Women’s Champions League Qualifiers matched for 17th July to 1st August in Nairobi will be delayed.

2021 Women’s AfroBasket: Rwanda and Egypt won the openers as the qualifiers tournament began in Zone V

Rwanda routed Kenya 77-45 in the first game of the 2021 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Zone 5 Qualifiers while Egypt showed no mercy to South Sudan, who is making their debut international game.

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The Malkia Strikers’ return to the Olympics served off to a displeasing loss but one that raised interest in Chumba’s skills.

Tunisia fall to Brazil in their Olympics match opener, however, Wassim Ben Tara displays well for his nation against the tournament’s favorite.

Introduction

Main 2

The national volleyball team, Uganda Volleyball Cranes start arrangements for the upcoming championship slated for next month.

The FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour 2-star tournament in Rubavu concluded with the USA winning gold in both men’s and women’s categories.

The Kenya lionesses flourished against Egypt 99-83 to win the Zone V and book a ticket to the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket in a six-day tournament played at Kigali Arena in Rwanda.

It was a battle well fought for the Rwanda ladies after ending their World Championships expedition in 15th place.

Ethiopia and Eritrea’s concluded with neither gaining victory but rather a pulsating start to the CECAFA U23 Tournament in a 3-all encounter.

Rwanda National Women’s Basketball Team clinched 2nd place in 2021 FIBA ​​Women’s AfroBasket Zone 5 Qualifiers group stage games after outplaying South Sudan 65-52.

The CECAFA Zonal Women’s Champions League Qualifiers matched for 17th July to 1st August in Nairobi will be delayed.

Rwanda routed Kenya 77-45 in the first game of the 2021 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Zone 5 Qualifiers while Egypt showed no mercy to South Sudan, who is making their debut international game.

ABOUT US

FOLLOW US

Rwanda National Women’s Basketball Team clinched 2nd place in 2021 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Zone 5 Qualifiers group stage games after outplaying South Sudan 65-52.