Mombasa, Kenya, April 22, 2013- Neighbours Rwanda and Kenya captured gold medals at the CAVB U23 Beach Volleyball Cup for African Zones 4, 5, 6 and 7 held from April 17 to 22 at Jacaranda Indian Beach Resort.
Rwanda men's team Oliver/Thierry clinched the gold medal following their victory over Zimbabwe duo Katemanyoka/Chiozwa in the final match 2-0 (21-17, 21-19).
Oliver/Thierry displayed calmness and controlled Katemanyoka/Chiozwa during the match. The Zimbabwe pair, however, showed promise in their performance in challenging the stronger Rwandan pair.
In the bronze medal match, Egypt's pairing of Rashid/Askalani took over Kenya's Eknoit/Walukaya 2-0 (21-18, 21-13) to claim third spot.
Uganda and Chad completed the team entries but were eliminated in the pool play.
The competition served as a qualifying event for African Zones 4, 5, 6 and 7 (the central, eastern, southern and island regions of Africa) – which secured tickets for Rwanda, Zimbabwe and Egypt for the FIVB U23 World Championship from June 6 to 9, 2013, in Myslowice, Poland. A qualifier for zones 1, 2 and 3 (northern and western regions) is also taking place in Ivory Coast.
In the women’s competition, the four-nation round robin format was dominated by Kenya, winning all of their matches.
The Kenyan duo Gaudencia/Naomie claimed victories against Zimbabwe 2-0 (21-18, 21-14) and Rwanda 2-1 (21-18, 9-21, 15-8) and Uganda in straight sets in the finals (21-12, 21-19).
Rwanda came in second with a 2-1 record while Zimbabwe took third place with a 1-2 record, leaving Uganda winless in the competition.
Kenya, Rwanda and Zimbabwe will advance to the FIVB Women’s U23 World Championship.