Pipeline to lead Kenyan teams to Rwanda tourney

By Oscar Pilipili

Kenya will have strong representation in the annual Rwanda Genocide Memorial volleyball in Kigali on June 1-2.

Former African and National league silver medalists Kenya Pipeline are among teams that are preparing for the Kigali volleyball extravaganza.

Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) Secretary General Evans Wasike said Pipeline and Malava High Girls High School have confirmed participation in the event. 

“The KVF has received confirmation notices from Pipeline and Malava and we’re waiting to hear from the other nominees,” he said.

Nairobi Water, Cheptil High and Kenya Commercial Bank women’s team and Administration Police Kenya men were also  invited to the event. 

Pipeline head coach Japheth Munala said such tournaments will help develop his young players. 

“I’m building a young team and such tournaments are helpful in the cohesiveness of the playing unit,” he said.  

Malava, who are both East African and national secondary schools champions, will find the tournament, which has also attracted teams from Tunisia and France, a good training ground for this year’s games. 

The Rwanda Volleyball fraternity organises the tournament annually to remember the over 46 members including players, coaches, and administrators, who were killed during the 1994 genocide.

The Federation of Rwanda Volleyball (FRVB) was among the worst hit by the 100-day tragedy that claimed over 500,000 lives. 

Since 1995, FRVB is one of the federations that organises annual Genocide memorial tournaments in honour of the victims. 

Some of the identified slain volleyball players include: Benjamin Iminamikore, Regis Murekezi, Pracide Ntagugura, Basile Ntagwabira, Egide Kumuyange, Casius Kaonji, Egide Kayiranga, Emmanuel Hategekimana, Michael Gasinzigwa, Theoneste Rutayisire, Justin Niyongira, Alphonce Kagenza, all from the National University of Rwanda.

Others include Eric Kayiranga, Eugene Gabiro, Dominique Ngonga Sebalinda, Alfred Butare, Innocent Rwagashayija, who played for Group Scolaire de Butare.

Meanwhile, Nyaberi Cup tournament, which is organised by the Nairobi branch, takes place at Eastleigh High Schools this weekend.