Africa-Press – Rwanda. After clinching the African title in style, Rwanda women’s sitting volleyball captain Lilian Mukobwankawe says her team is ready to make history in the world by breaking into the top four at the 2026 Para Volleyball World Championships in Hangzhou, China.
Mukobwankawe was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) after helping Rwanda beat hosts Kenya in three games to win the 2025 Africa Sitting Volleyball Championship.
“Kenya really challenged us. For anyone who watched our matchups, those were the toughest wins,” Mukobwankawe said upon arrival at Kigali International Airport on Thursday night.
“But we did our technical homework. We analyzed our strengths and weaknesses, and theirs too. What made the difference was our experience—they lacked that.”
Rwanda women’s rise in sitting volleyball has been nothing short of remarkable. With three consecutive appearances at Paralympics—Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, and Paris 2024—and a sixth-place global ranking, the women’s team has become one of Africa’s most consistent forces in adaptive sports.
The 2026 edition will mark Rwanda’s fourth appearance at the Sitting Volleyball World Championships under the leadership of coach Mosaad Elaiuty
“This will be our fourth time competing at the world level, and we owe it to ourselves and the continent to reach the top four. We will prepare thoroughly to raise both the African and Rwandan flags,” she said.
The men’s team also earned their spot at the world championships after a strong campaign, eventually falling to Egypt in the final and claiming silver.
Reflecting on the performance in Kenya, team captain Emile Cadet Vuningabo expressed pride in their journey despite going 16 years without beating Egypt.
“We progressed with confidence from the group stages to the semis. Although Egypt proved tough in the final, our improvements were evident, and we aim to carry that same energy to the world level,” he said.
Both Rwandan men’s and women’s national teams qualified as African finalists for the 2026 Para Volleyball World Championships, scheduled for July 10–17 in Hangzhou, China. Kenya (women) and Egypt (men) also earned their spots to the competition.
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