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Rwanda National Volleyball League 2023 Serie B serves off with 19 teams

Rwanda National Volleyball League
The action between College Sainte Marie Reine Kabgayi and College du Christ Roi on Saturday, February 4, 2023
Rwanda National Volleyball League Serie B serves off after three years covid halt. 19 teams across the different districts take part in the league

The Rwanda National Volleyball League Serie B organized by Rwanda’s governing body of volleyball is underway featuring 19 teams in the men’s and women’s categories, with teams from Nyanza leading the way after day one games.

During the league’s official launch ceremony on February 4, the mayor of Nyanza district, Erasme Ntazinda, along with Florent Habyarimana, a delegate from the Ministry of Sport, and Philbert Mucyo, Secretary of the Volleyball Federation, officially opened two volleyball courts built at Nyanza Technical Secondary School. The modern volleyball courts were constructed in collaboration with partners.

The ceremony to inaugurate two Volleyball courts at Nyanza TSS. Erasme Ntazinda, second from left, Philbert Mucyo (Green t-shirt), Florent Habyarimana (white shirt), and Dr. Sylvestre Mbanza (in red shirt) | Photo: FRVB
Greetings from FRVB SG Philbert Mucyo and distinguished guests to Nyaruguru VC | Photo: FRVB

Most of the day-one games took place in the southern province which is considered as Rwanda’s volleyball development hub.

In opening games, at 10 am, College Sainte Marie Reine Kabgayi hosted College du Christ Roi from Nyanza and the latter had no mercy for the host. College du Christ Roi handled the business well with no set dropped. (25-15, 25-15, and 25-19).

College Sainte Marie Reine, one of the Rwanda National Volleyball League Serie B newcomers put in a terrific effort in their second game but still fell short against Gitisi TVET. However, this time, they managed to get a set. (23-25, 22-25, 25-20, 20-25)

On the other side, Nyanza TSS comfortably overcame Nyaruguru VC 3-0. (25-18, 29-27, 25-17) in Nyanza district to register the first points of the campaign.

Nyanza TSS took home advantage and beat Nyaruguru VC. (Nyanza TSS in blue and white jerseys) | Photo: FRVB

Nyanza TSS had to play a youthful, skilled team in Petit Séminaire Virgo Fidelis (PSVF) in their second game of the day, in a mouthwatering game to cap off Saturday activities. They successfully defended their brand-new home court by defeating PSVF in three straight sets (25-20, 25-23, 25-23) with the help of their bunch of supporters.

In women’s category, at Groupe Scolaire Saint Joseph Kabgayi, Muhanga, The Institut Sainte Famille Nyamasheke all the way from western province, shocked the host and defeated them 3-1 sets.

  • 1st set: 25-22
  • 2nd set: 15-25
  • 3rd set: 21-25
  • 4th set: 20-25

For the first time after being put on hold in 2020 owing to the covid-19 outbreak, the Rwanda National Volleyball League Serie B has now resumed after a three-year hiatus. In this season, the 14 men’s teams have been split into two groups.

Group A: Collègue du Christ Roi Nyanza, Gisagara Volleyball Academy, Groupe Scolaire Officiel de Butare, Collège Ste Marie Reine Kabgayi, Collège St Ignace Mugina, UR-CST, Gitisi TVET

Group B: Petit Séminaire Virgo Fidelis Karubanda, Nyaruguru Volleyball Club, Nyanza TSS, Groupe Scolaire Saint Joseph Kabgayi, Rusumo High School, UR-CAVM, and Ecole Secondaire Ste Trinité Ruhango

While G.S St Aloys Rwamagana, Institut Ste Famille Nyamasheke, G.S St Joseph Kabgayi, Ecole Ste Bernadette Kamonyi, and UR-Busogo will contest in the Rwanda National Volleyball League Serie B women’s category.

The actions resume on Saturday, February 11

 

 

REG VC and APR W-VC clinched the 2023 National Heroes’ Day Tourney

REG VC
REG Volleyball Club, The Winners of 2023 National Heroes' day tournament | Courtesy Photo
The reigning Rwanda National League champions, REG VC and APR W-VC in the men’s and women’s categories, triumphed in the Heroes’ Day tournament too. A two-day tournament to honor Rwanda’s National Heroes.

The Chancellery for Heroes, National Orders, and Decorations of Honor, CHENO began heroism week on January 20, 2023, under the theme “Our heroism, our dignity”. As Rwandans approach this year’s Heroes Day on February 1.

Chancellor’s Office together with the federations organizes yearly competitions in various sports in an effort to uphold the culture of bravery. In a two-day volleyball event, the top four teams from the recently ended men’s and women’s leagues squared off at Kimisagara Gymnasium.

In the semifinals, REG VC reached the final after defeating Forefront 3-2, while Gisagara VC beat APR VC 3-0, in the matches that took place on Saturday, January 28

In the women’s category, APR WVC defeated Ruhango in three straight sets with ease before RRA fell to Forefront in a nail-biting five-set match.

Sunday, the last day of the competition, Forefront finished third after defeating APR VC, and RRA defeated Ruhango in the women’s. Both match winners were decided in three sets.

The situation was different in the finals, as a deciding set determined the winners.

In a very exciting game, APR W-VC defeated Forefront in a five-set battle (25-20, 25-27, 25-20, 20-25, and 15-12) to win the 2023 National Heroes Volleyball Tournament.

APR Women Volleyball Club

In the men’s category, Gisagara was missing key players, the brothers Flavien Ndaimukunda and Patrick Kavalo Akumuntu who lost their mother last week, adding to the injured Sylvestre Ndayisaba.

Regardless of the venue, REG VC and Gisagara VC contests always draw a large crowd. | Courtesy Photo

REG VC won the first two sets swiftly (25-17, 25-18), but Fidel Nyirimana’s Gisagara team didn’t give up. They put in a lot of work to win the following two sets (25-17, 25-20). However, despite their best efforts, they fell in the fifth set 10-15.

This competition was not held for 2 years because of COVID-19. Last time, 2019, UTB won in both categories.

 

 

Rayon Sports Thrash Musanze and moves up to second in the table

Rayon Sports
Rayon Sports beat Musanze 4-1 at Muhanga stadium and moves to second place. Photo: Igihe
Rayon Sports’ dominating performance from start to finish today moves them up into second in the table as they stormed past Musanze FC 4-1 at Muhanga Stadium.

Rayon Sports hosted Musanze FC in their first match of 2023 at Muhanga Stadium. The Francis Haringingo-coached side was missing many regular players, as well as freshly signed Hertier Luvumbu, whose license has yet to be issued.

Rayon came into the game hoping to close the gap on league leaders AS Kigali and reclaim the title chase. The Blues had to rebound from three straight losses against the squad that upset them in the first leg.

Musanze defenders failed to clear Iraguha’s cross into the box, but Moussa Camara was on hand to feed through Isaac Mitima and put the Blues ahead after 13 minutes.

Six minutes later, Musanze’s Yaser Arafat’s pass found Namanda Wafula on the right flank, who sent a cross to Peter Agblevor. The Ghanaian attacker scored without hesitation. This is his sixth goal of the season. The teams went into the halftime break level.

Former Rayon Sports defensive midfielder Isaac Nsengiyumva scored an own goal six minutes after the interval, thanks to a superb cross from Elie Ganijuru to get the blues back in the lead

Felix Ndekwe’s free-kick struck the goal post and bounced to Eric Ngendahimana, who deposited the ball in the back of the net to give the home team an assurance goal in the 56th minute.

15 minutes later, Esenu made it 4-1 with a brilliant header from an Iraguha corner. He scored a free header to secure all three points for Gikundiro for the first time since December 4, 2022 against Bugesera at Kigali Stadium.

Rayon Sports victory puts them in second place on the standings, two points behind leaders AS Kigali. They will head to Huye for their next mission, which will be to fight Mukura. Musanze, who are now tenth in the standings, will face Rutsiro at Ubworoherane Stadium.

For more details about fixtures, results, standings, and players’ stats, follow this link

Today’s lineups for both teams were as follows:

Rayon Sports XI: Adolphe Hakizimana, Francois Mugisha Francois ©, Isaac Mitima, Junior Didier Mucyo, Elie Ganijuru Ishimwe, Roger Kanamugire, Eric Ngendahimana, Felix Ndekwe, Moussa Camara, Musa Esenu, Hadji Iraguha

Musanze XI: Steven Ntaribi Steven, Gad Niyonshuti ©, Obed Harerimana, Christophe Uwiringiyimana, Isaac Nsengiyumva, Valeur Nduwayo, Patrick Niyijyinama, Namanda Luke Wafula, Peter Agblevor, Eric Kanza Angua, Yaser Arafat Tuyisenge

 

NVL: Thrilling University Derby Ends Exciting Volleyball League Weekend

NVL UCU VS NDEJJE
The NVL last weekend was surrounded with intense emotion after Nemo’s silencing and a University Derby.

As round 2 of the National Volleyball League, NVL returned after the Christmas break, KAVC came out to avenge their setback to Sport-S by taking revenge on a still struggling Nemo Stars.

In a 3-2 loss against Sport-S, Lugogo-based KAVC demonstrated incredible tenacity, but they clearly gave up in the deciding set, which finished 6-15. Despite the loss, KAVC forced Sport-S to drop two sets for the first time this season.

KAVC dominated long-time rival Nemo Star last weekend, winning 3-0. The latter fell to fourth place, barely one point ahead of UCU. The first set of the match was a disaster for the Nemo Stars. They gained momentum in the second and third sets but were not well-equipped to win KAVC. The final scores were 25-14, 25-20, and 25-22. Watch Full Match here

The weekend’s match to watch was between Ndejje Sharks and UCU. When university clubs compete in the NVL, it is usually a derby, and the two clubs are no exception. Angiro Kau of UCU gave Ndejje a run for their money. UCU got the most points thanks to the youngster.

Spoils concluded 3-2 in favor of UCU, earning the Luwero-based team a point. This outcome puts three teams, the Nemo Stars, UCU, and Ndejje, in a tight race for the fourth berth in the playoffs. Although it is too early to draw conclusions, Nemo Stars is not performing well.

For more details about the NVL, follow the link here

 

 

 

FRVB Boss Raphael Ngarambe finds it productive to run the league in phases

FRVB Boss Raphael Ngarambe
FRVB President, Mr Raphael Ngarambe | Photo: Igihe

The eight national league phases wrapped up, and REG and APR triumphed in the men’s and women’s categories, respectively. The President of the local Volleyball governing body, FRVB, Raphael Ngarambe backed the idea of running the championship in phases and finds it productive

Following the completion of the FRVB Rwanda Volleyball League’s final phase, the Federation awarded the champions, runners-up, and second runners-up. however, the individual performers were not acknowledged since the league was played in phases, with each phase being played in a tournament format, as explained by Philibert Mucyo, the FRVB secretary general.

REG Volleyball
REG Volleyball Club, The 2022/2023 Rwanda National Volleyball League Champions | Photo: Innocent SHEMA

Rwanda Energy Group finished 8 phases with 57 points, the same as Gisagara VC, but REG won 4 phases while Gisagara only took three.

In the women’s category, APR W-VC won the first seven phases to claim the title, while Forefront finished second and won the final phase of the FRVB league.

APR Women Volleyball Club | Photo: Innocent SHEMA

Among the prizes given out to winners, the champions REG VC and APR W-VC received 2 M Frw, runners-up Gisagara and Forefront collected 1.5 M each, and the third-placed teams, APR and RRA pocked 1 M a piece

Speaking to the media, Raphael Ngarambe, the president of the FRVB, claims that the new league structure raises the level of competition and even helps the national flag bearers compete more effectively abroad. 

He said: “The players have improved tremendously this season. You’ve seen how Gisagara performed well in the African club championship, APR Women VC and RRA did well in continental tournaments too. It is undeniably the result of this format. We are proud of it and will remain so for the next seasons”

The head of the Federation further affirms that players’ fitness is improved by playing more games and competing against their direct opponents on a weekly basis.

“I hope you find it useful as well. If a player can play three matches in a weekend, the body adapts, the muscles respond, and the level of competition rises.” Said Raphael Ngarambe, Rwanda Volleyball Federation President

Increasing the game’s accessibility to its supporters across the country will certainly be beneficial. Infrastructure advancements will result from volleyball matches played outside the capital city.

He added: “We hugely benefited to playing the championship in PHAses. First, the locals enjoy volleyball and experience the country’s current level of play. Secondly, by playing in different parts of the country, some infrastructure-related solutions are coming. Kirehe and Ruhango districts intend to build their own gymnasiums.”

The FRVB league is being contested in phases for the first time, with each team having the opportunity to host a phase under a competition format.

The first-round (Quarter-final) matchups are No.1 vs. No. 8, No. 2 vs. No. 7, No. 3 vs. No. 6, and No. 4 vs. No. 5 According to the previous phase. The winner of the No. 1 vs No. 8 matchup play the winner of the No. 4 vs. No. 5 matchup in the second round (semi-final) While in the second semi-final contest, the winner of No. 2 vs. No. 7 takes on the winner of No. 3 vs. No.6. The losers play ranking classification games

In the first phase, they rank the teams based on their standings from the previous season.

 

The REG Volleyball Club wins the 2022/2023 National League

REG Volleyball
REG Volleyball Club, The 2022/2023 Rwanda National Volleyball League Champions
REG Volleyball Club clinches the 2022–23 Rwanda Volleyball Championship after defeating APR VC 3-1 in the eighth phase semifinals, despite losing the final to Gisagara.

KIMISAGARA, January 22, 2023 – To conclude the final phase of the Rwanda Volleyball National League, Rwanda Energy Group Volleyball Club (REG VC) had to advance to the final match to maximize the points required to win the championship, which they did by defeating APR VC in the semi-final game by a score of 3-1.

The electricians, REG Volleyball, won the first set 25–18; the army side responded by winning the second set 25–17; and REG came back strong to capture the third and fourth sets, 25–19 and 25–18, respectively.

The Gisagara vs REG is always an intriguing matchup.

Even though REG Volleyball had already secured the title, they were aware that celebrating twice in front of Gisagara, their fierce rivals, wouldn’t be easy. Gisagara had cruised past IPRC Ngoma with ease in the other semi-final fixture before defeating REG 3-1 in phase 8 final game.

By winning this title, REG also automatically qualifies to represent the country at the 2023 CAVB Men’s African Club Championships.

This is REG’s second league title. In 2019, REG won the men’s national volleyball league for the first time in history.

The awarding ceremony included recognition for members, partners, and former national team players’ career accomplishments.

Dusabimana, 35, bids farewell to the National Team after 12 years of service

Vincent Dusabimana also known as Gasongo bid farewell to the National Team; all of the kits bearing his name in the federation’s warehouse were given to him to celebrate his legendary career. Despite not being present, Yakan Guma Lawrence and Emile Karera received acclaim as well.

L-R: Raphael Ngarambe, FRVB President, Vincent Dusabimana (currently APR player), and Mr. Charles Habonimana, RAC managing director
The beach volleyball duo of Venuste Gatsinzi and Olivier Ntagengwa represented the country at the Common Wealth Games and made it to the semifinals. In front of the Rwandan volleyball fraternity, they received honors too. In the photo, from left to the right, Raphael Ngarambe, Olivier Ntagengwa, Christopher Mudahinyuka (coach), Venuste Gatsinzi, and Eric Rutayisire, CEO of Forzza bet

Gisagara, the winner of Phase 8, received recognition for representing the country admirably at the continental level. GVC finished third in African Club Championship.

Gisagara VC, The winners of RVNL phase 8

The program states that the Heroes Cup will be played the next week, and the top four league teams will participate.

Photo credit: Innocent SHEMA

 

 

 

The NVL Returns With Unfinished Round 1 Business As Sport-S And KAVC Clash.

NVL Sport-S VS KAVC
The National Volleyball League, NVL, resumes this weekend, with the top two clubs, Sport-S and KAVC, going head to head.

The long-awaited match was meant to take place last year, but KAVC requested that it be postponed due to the club’s commitments. It’s been a long time coming, but the top guns of the NVL will finally show who is the favorite to remain at the top of the table this weekend.

Sport-S, situated in Nsambya, has performed admirably this season, with no set losses in Round 1. KAVC, on the other side, was defeated by league champions OBB. Because of this performance, the two teams are only two points apart in the standings.

KAVC will not accept defeat since it will distance them from their opponent, Sport-S. Sport-S, on the other hand, will not be content with any defeat either.

We witnessed the return of Allan to the KAVC lineup in the match played against rivals Nemo Stars, a match in which the former won 3-1 to bag 3 points. However, Sport-S has maintained a solid consistent squad throughout Round 1.

Sunday 15th, January 2023, 5 pm at Old Kampala Sports Arena, we shall witness some of the best volleyball action this 2022/2023 season.

In other games,

Women’s Serie A

KAVC VS NDEJE – SAT 14th @ 3 PM
VVC VS KCCA – SAT 15th @ 11 AM
KAVC VS OBB – SAT 15th @ 3 PM

Follow the Men’s NVL at the link here

Follow the Women’s NVL at the link here

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rwanda: Basketball Season Tipoffs Tonight

Rwanda Basketball League
Rwanda Basketball League tipoffs today | Photo archives
The Rwanda Basketball season gets underway this evening with six teams in action and the weekend features several strong opponents throughout the opening week.

This Friday, January 13, at Kepler, the regular season of the Men’s National Basketball League will start off with twelve clubs beginning their quest for a championship.

Due to the preparation and preliminaries of the 2023 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket, the Women league will begin to play on January 21, 2023, per the calendar made public by the federation.

The regular season will comprise 95 games, with the top four teams in each category advancing to the playoffs. The regular season will be played in the conventional home and away format while playoffs will also have a twist, with semifinal games being played in a best-of-five while the finals will be a best-of-seven series.

The second round of the league will begin on 17th March and the playoffs will get underway in August before ending in September per the FERWABA Activities Calendar

According to Landry Jabo and Claudette Mugwaneza, the Executive Director and League Coordinator for the Rwanda Basketball Federation, they are still looking for a media partner to stream the games as the attendance at some venues, such as Kepler, will be limited.

Claudette Mugwaneza and Landry Jabo, The League Coordinator and Executive director in Rwanda Basketball Federation

Speaking to the media, Moise Mutokambali, the national technical director, said that 3X3 basketball is not far behind. Among the federation’s endeavors is the 3X3 depth program this season.

Moise Mutokambali, The National Technical Director

“One weekend in the federation’s activities for this season has been set aside for 3*3 Games. Since 3×3 was added to the Olympic Program, the Olympic Committee and schools have collaborated to arrange additional contests and promote this sport.” Said Mutokambali

 

Meanwhile, The lower division league will start on January 21st, 2023. Eighteen teams will fight for 2 promotion slots.

The Men’s league champion will earn an automatic berth into the Basketball Africa League. The champions and runners-up in the women’s category represent the country in Zone 5. Rwanda Energy Group clubs are defending champions.

OPENING NIGHT FIXTURES:

At Kepler:     7 pm, Rwanda Energy Group BBC vs Orion

                   9 pm, Espoir BBC vs Shoot 4 Stars

At Stecol:     9pm, Patriots vs K Titans

SATURDAY

At Kepler:     1 pm, APR BBC vs RP-IPRC Musanze

                   3 pm, Tigers BBC vs RP-IPRC Huye

SUNDAY

At Stecol:    11 am, REG BBC vs RP-IPRC Musanze

                  1 pm, APR BBC vs RP-IPRC Huye

                  3 pm, Espoir BBC vs Orion 

 

APR W-VC secure the Volleyball National League title after dominant season

APR WVC, The 2022/2023 Rwanda National Volleyball League Champions | Photo: Innocent SHEMA
APR Women Volleyball Club’s 11-year wait for the league title is over as they have certainly secured the 2022/2023 Rwanda Volleyball National League with a round to go. Their unbeaten run keeps going.

NGOMA, January 8, 2023, the seventh phase of the Rwanda Volleyball league was completed at IPRC Ngoma courts. In the women’s category, APR W-VC continued their winning streak through phase 7 and irrevocably secured the championship with a 3-1 set win over Forefront.

Before facing Forefront in the final, the army team had to defeat the archrival Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) in the semi-finals. The game was regarded as the most anticipated rivalry matchup of the seventh Phase.

In an eye-catching match that lasted 2 hours and 42 minutes, APR defeated RRA 3-2 in a thrilling five-setter, denying their opponents any chance of reaching the final.

The table toppers showed grit and determination to come from behind twice in the fourth set to force a decider. (21-25, 26-24, 23-25, 25-17).

In a deciding set, the score was tight up to the 7th point however RRA couldn’t hold off the spikes of Benitha Mukandayisenga and Seraphine Mukantambara. APR made 4 straight points to put the game out of reach at 11-7. It ended 15-10. The game took place in Ngoma Stadium

Elsewhere at Groupe Scolaire Kabare, in the second semi-final game, Forefront got rid of Ruhango in 3-1 sets.

Around 2 pm at IPRC Ngoma court, the final game between arguably the best teams of the season served off.

The Matchup between APR WVC and Forefront | Courtesy Photo

Despite being behind in the first set (25-21), coach Florien Siborurema’s advice during a short break boosted team morale and motivated them to take three other sets. (25-22, 25-14, 25-13).

APR WVC dominated not only phase 7 but all phases to win their first league title in 11 years. The army team last won the trophy in the 2011/2012 season.

In addition to league bragging rights, the win also clinched a berth in Carré d’As tourney to conclude a long volleyball season. RRA, Forefront, and Ruhango will definitely take part in the two-day tournament too.

Regardless of Carré d’As outcome, will this season be considered the most successful season in APR history?

With this title, APR Women Volleyball accomplish a truly exciting season with two domestic triumphs (Tax Payers Tourney and National League) and a successfully claimed NSSF KAVC International tournament in Uganda.

There is little doubt that the 2022–2023 season will go down in club history as one of the most successful ones thanks to this accomplishment on a national and international level.

AS Kigali fall to a 2-1 defeat in Nyagatare

AS Kigali
AS Kigali fall to a 2-1 defeat in Nyagatare | Curtesy Photo
AS Kigali fall to a 2-1 defeat at Golgotha Stadium. Second-half goals from Babuwa and Mubiru seal all three points for Sunrise FC

Wednesday, December 21, the Rwanda top-flight league continued to be played in the last round of the first leg. AS Kigali, the current leaders, headed to Nyagatare to take on Sunrise FC.

The citizens put up a valiant fight in the first half to deny the hosts any real chances on goal, however, they did not contribute anything offensively.

In the second half, Sunrise come out strong and outplayed AS Kigali. Samson Babuwa opened the scores following a good combination with Yafessi Mubiru in the 58th minute.

10 minutes later, Yafessi Mubiri made it 2-0 before Jacques Tuyisenge scored a late consolidation, but it mattered not. FT: Sunrise 2-1 AS Kigali

Sunrise’s victory moves Innocent Seninga’s men to seventh in the table, a point behind the sixth, Mukura VS. AS Kigali stays on top.

Elsewhere, Mukura picked up an away three points against Rwamagana City. Robert Mukogotya’s brace was enough to secure the much-needed three points before the first leg break. Benson Muhindo scored for Rwamagana

At Musanze, Police drew Musanze FC 1-1, at Umuganda, Rutsiro beat Bugesera 2-1 while Gorilla beat Espoir FC 1-0 at Rusizi Stadium.

Today, Etincelles FC host APR while Rayon Sports plays Gasogi, Marines face SC Kiyovu tomorrow

For more details about RPL fixtures, Results, standings, and Stats follow this link