Kampala, March 3 – The CAVB Zone V Club Championship concluded with Rwanda’s APR Volleyball Club teams securing both the men’s and women’s titles, dethroning defending champions Police VC and Kenya’s Pipeline.
In the women’s category, APR WVC stunned East African powerhouse and reigning Kenyan champions Pipeline in an intense four-set final.
As Rwanda’s sole representative in the women’s competition, APR dominated their opponents from the group stage to the final, overcoming hosts Sport-S and ultimately defeating Pipeline.
Peter Kamasa’s squad overcame a first-set loss to rally past Pipeline, winning 3-1 (20-25, 25-17, 26-24, 25-23).
The men’s team had a challenging path to the final, showing determination by sweeping Nemo Stars in the quarterfinals and REG in the semifinals to set up a clash with reigning champions Police VC.
APR took the first set 26-24, but Police, led by Fred Musoni, leveled with a 25-19 win. APR regained control, winning the next two sets 25-18 and 25-21 to secure their first CAVB Zone V Club Championship title under coach Sam Muligye.
This loss marks only the second defeat for Police VC this season, both at the hands of APR.
Following their outstanding performances, APR’s players also claimed the most individual accolades. Diane Mpuhwezimana was named both the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Best Setter in the women’s category.
APR’s Ghanaian setter, Paul Akan, won the MVP title in the men’s category.
The 2025 CAVB Zone V Club Championship was the third edition for men, with Rwanda continuing its dominance as no men’s team outside the country has yet won the title. In the women’s category, this was only the second edition, with Pipeline winning the inaugural tournament.
The 2025 edition underscored Rwanda National League’s supremacy in regional volleyball, as no club outside the country managed to defeat a Rwandan team in either category.
APR WVC, Rwanda’s only women’s representative, won the title, while all three Rwandan men’s teams secured podium finishes.
Attention now shifts to the Rwanda National League playoffs, with APR WVC as the third seed. The APR-Police rivalry could lead to another thrilling final if they overcome Kepler and REG in the first round.
