NAIROBI, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda will host the first Zone Five club volleyball championships in Kigali from Feb 19-24 bringing together teams from East Africa region.

Ismail Chege, Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) fixture secretary, said here Thursday that the competition will attract teams from Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, South Sudan and Ethiopia.

Kenya has since selected four teams for the competition led by Kenya Defence Force, Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), Equity Bank and Mombasa Prison Warders.

"These clubs must confirm their participation with the organizers. The four teams were selected based on their ranking. The competition will serve as part of their preparations ahead of the Africa Club Championships," Chege said.

This is the first zonal competition run by the African Volleyball Confederation (CAVB) in a season where it will also have qualifiers for the 2020 Olympic Games for both men's and women's teams.

KPA team manager Joel Kosgei was delighted his side was handed the slot in the regional competition to represent Kenya.

"Our welfare and management is working on it. We are waiting for the approval. This is a perfect chance for the team to play against top sides in the region and build on the experience," said Kosgei.