A huge number of fans at Lugogo Indoor Sports Arena in Kampala witnessed Rwanda’s domination as Armee Patriotique Rwandaise (APR) Volleyball Club stamped its authority on the CAVB Zone V Club Championship, winning both the men’s and women’s finals.
The Rwandan side proved their strength in the region, overcoming tough competition to claim double gold.
The women’s final saw APR take on Kenya Pipeline Volleyball Club (KPC), the defending champions.
KPC started strong, winning the first set 25-20, capitalizing on APR’s defensive lapses.
However, APR quickly adjusted, showing resilience in the second set, where they overturned a three-point deficit to claim a 25-17 victory.
The third set was a tense battle, with both teams trading points in a neck-and-neck contest.
KPC reached set point first, but APR’s determination saw them claw back and snatch a 26-24 win, taking a crucial 2-1 lead.
With pressure mounting on KPC, the fourth set was another intense showdown. APR kept their composure, punishing KPC’s communication errors to win 25-23 and seal the championship.
The match ended dramatically, with Sarah Lamito’s decisive attack securing APR’s place at the top.
The men’s final was an all-Rwanda affair, with APR taking on Rwanda National Police in a thrilling derby.
Police started aggressively, leading much of the first set, but APR fought back to steal it 26-24, despite facing 20 attacks from their opponents.
Police responded well in the second set, reducing errors and levelling the match with a 25-19 victory.
However, APR showed their class in the third set, dominating proceedings to win 25-18.
Sensing victory, APR came out firing in the fourth set, taking an early lead and maintaining control throughout. Despite Police’s attempts to fight back, APR stayed composed and sealed the title with a 25-21 win.
APR’s success in both the men’s and women’s categories highlights the rapid growth of volleyball in Rwanda, driven by government investment in sports infrastructure and professionalization.
Their dominance was further emphasized by the fact that all three Rwandan teams reached the semifinals, with APR emerging as the undisputed champions.
In the third-place playoffs, Sport S defeated Nkumba in the women’s category, while Rwanda Energy Group (REG) secured bronze in the men after beating Sport S.
Individual Awards: APR Stars Shine
Women’s Category
- Best Outside Hitter – Kasaya Leonida (KPC)
- Best Opposite Attacker – Gaoleseletse Gasekgonwe (APR)
- Best Setter – Mpuhwezimana Diane (APR)
- Best Middle Blocker – Uwiringiymana Albertine (APR)
- Best Libero – Uwamahoro Beatrice (APR)
- Best Server – Simiyu Loice (KPC)
- Most Valuable Player (MVP) – Mpuhwezimana Diane (APR)
Men’s Category
- Best Outside Hitter – Ireke Denis (APR)
- Best Opposite Attacker – Hakeem Mukaila (APR)
- Best Setter – Akan Paul (APR)
- Best Middle Blocker – Muvara Ronald (REG)
- Best Libero – Ntigurirwa Steven (APR)
- Best Server – Matheus Aparecido Bettim (Police)
- Most Valuable Player (MVP) – Akan Paul (APR)
