Kenyan international outside hitters Dennis Esokon Ireke and Sande Meldinah Nemali were crowned the 2025 Rwanda Volleyball League MVPs in the men’s and women’s categories, respectively, after leading APR VC and Police WVC to hard-fought league titles.
The 2025 Rwanda Volleyball League wrapped up on May 11 at Petit Stade, with APR VC defending the men’s title and Police WVC clinching their first women’s championship.
In a best-of-three series for the championship, APR and Police met in decisive Game 3s in both categories.
In the women’s final, Police WVC avenged last season’s heartbreaking defeat, rallying from one game down to win two consecutive matches and secure their first league title.
Game 3, held Sunday afternoon at Amahoro Indoor Stadium (Petit Stade), saw Police defeat APR in four tightly contested sets (25-23, 20-25, 25-23, 25-22).
With Sande Meldinah struggling to find openings against APR’s well-formed block anchored by Amito Shallon, Catherine Ainembabazi took over offensively, exploiting gaps in coverage and keeping Police in control of the rally flow.
It was a fulfilling moment for Police head coach Christian Hatumimana, who had vowed to win the title after last season’s painful loss to APR under coach Peter Kamasa.
The men’s final was equally intense. Fred Musoni’s Police VC claimed the first two sets in narrow fashion (26-24, 26-24), sending their fans into a frenzy, already chanting for the trophy and MVP hopeful Eliphas Makuto.
But APR, led by tactician Sammy Mulingye, mounted a remarkable comeback. Setter Paul Akan expertly ran the offense, feeding Dennis Ireke for powerful spikes that broke through Police’s defense as APR dominated the next two sets (25-17, 25-15). Akan also scored key points with crafty plays at the net.
Police pushed in the fifth, but APR’s grit sealed the win. The army side edged a dramatic final set 18-16 to seal back-to-back titles—marking their 11th championship overall.
Their victory capped off a stellar season that included a Zone V triumph and a fourth-place finish at the African Club Championship. APR’s triumph was especially notable as they overcame Police, who had finished the regular season as top seeds.
The 2025 Rwanda Volleyball League concluded with high-stakes finals, where top individual honors highlighted the season’s standout performers in both the men’s and women’s games.
Sande Meldinah Nemali, a Malikia striker, led Police WVC to a historic season, earning both Best Attacker and MVP honors in her Rwandan debut.
APR VC claimed a trio of honors: Valentine Munezero was awarded Best Server, Benitha Mukandayisenga took Best Receiver, and Amito Shallon earned Best Blocker. Police’s Iris Ndagijimana was named Best Setter, while Jackline Uwimaliya received the Best Libero award.
In the men’s division, The wafalme star Dennis Esokon Ireke of APR VC was honored as the Most Valuable Player (MVP), following his standout performance throughout the season and in the finals. His teammate Samuel Niyonshima won Best Server, and Paul Akan claimed Best Setter, thanks to his pivotal role in APR’s comeback victory.
Despite the final result, Police VC players dominated several categories: Eric Kwizera “Kiganza” earned Best Receiver, Eliphas Makuto was named Best Attacker, Placide “Madison” Sibomana won Best Blocker, and Saduru Manzi took home the Best Libero award.
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