Rwanda’s national volleyball programme appears set for a new chapter, with French coach Frédéric Guérin emerging as the front runner to lead both the men’s and women’s senior national teams in the future. Frédéric Guérin volleyball tactician The 52-year-old tactician impressed during interviews conducted on January 21, where he reportedly outshone four other candidates shortlisted for the role. He is expected to succeed Paulo de Tarso, whose tenure with the national teams has come to an end. Sources close to the process say negotiations between Guérin and the Rwanda Volleyball Federation (FRVB

Rwanda’s national volleyball programme appears set for a new chapter, with French coach Frédéric Guérin emerging as the front runner to lead both the men’s and women’s senior national teams in the future.

Frédéric Guérin volleyball tactician

The 52-year-old tactician impressed during interviews conducted on January 21, where he reportedly outshone four other candidates shortlisted for the role. He is expected to succeed Paulo de Tarso, whose tenure with the national teams has come to an end.

Sources close to the process say negotiations between Guérin and the Rwanda Volleyball Federation (FRVB) are at an advanced stage, with talks now focusing on contractual details. An official announcement is anticipated once the agreement is finalized, alongside the unveiling of the wider technical staff, including assistant coaches and performance specialists.

Guérin brings with him extensive experience from the French volleyball system, having coached clubs across Ligue A and Ligue B. His career includes spells at AS Cannes, Nice Volleyball, and Cambrai Volley, where he built a reputation for structured team organization, player development, and tactical discipline.

Federation insiders believe his coaching philosophy rooted in European methodology and long-term planning aligns well with Rwanda’s ambition to strengthen its competitiveness on the continental stage.

If confirmed, Guérin’s immediate focus will be preparations for the 2026 African Senior Men’s Volleyball Championship, scheduled for September 10–15 in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The tournament carries significant weight, serving as a qualification route to both the 2027 FIVB World Championship and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

At the last continental championship held in Egypt in 2023, Rwanda finished sixth, while the hosts went on to defeat Algeria in the final. With major competitions ahead, expectations will be high for the incoming coach to elevate Rwanda’s standing in African volleyball.

Source: Dylan Mugenga (NEW TIMES)

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