Rwanda team qualified for the 2017 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships
When it comes to popular beach volleyball nations, most of us think of Brazil, USA and (rather recently) Germany. Only some of us might be aware that there is some professional beach volleyball playing in Africa as well. Most recently, a team from Rwanda qualified for the 2017 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships in Vienna (Austria) from July 28 through August 6.
Two weeks ago, Denyse Mutatsimpundu and Charlotte Nzayisenga made history after winning gold at the 2017 CAVB Beach Volleyball Cup staged in Maputo, Mozambique. Mutatsimpundu started playing beach volleyball in 2012, partnering with Nzayisenga for the CAVB Continental Cup. In 2013, they won the U-20 African Beach Volleyball Championships in Togo qualifying for the 2012 World Championships in Canada. However, Canada denied entry visas to Rwanda and four other African countries, leaving only South Africa as the only team to represent the continent.
Just a few weeks ago, Mutatsimpundu and Nzayisenga won the CAVB Beach Volleyball African Nations Cup after defeating Morocco 2-1 in the final that gave them a historic ticket to compete at the 2017 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships.
Denyse Mutatsimpundu in action
You have a good website. The article shows that what the white can do, the black can do also. It is time for the western nations to know that we also have sports superstars in Africa.
I agree. For long distance running (amongst others) this has been true forever and beach volleyball will be another example. I am also sure there will soon be an African team advancing far in the soccer world cup so far dominated by Europeans and South Americans…
I am from South Africa and I can tell ou the only reason these guys are left out is because of access to funding and resources. I am particularly proud of Rwanda showing their grit in the beach volleyball arena. I am sure they will show themselves a force to be reckoned with over time.
Yeah the Canadian decisison is not appropriate. However, they will definitely participate in the World Championships in Austria end of July!
I had no idea that Rwanda had a volleyball team and champions as well! In the case of Canada’s visa denial, It’s a shame when politics gets in the way of sports, yet we see it happening too often today. I hope that changes. Athletes work hard for results and it’s unfair when politics is able to stop them.
Very true. We have seen that many times that politics interferes with sports and it is never a good thing…