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 directorThe 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.
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
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.
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.
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).
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 | 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
AS Kigali held APR FC to a goalless draw | Photo: Julius NTARE
Rwanda Premier League title race took an unexpected turn on Thursday night as defending champions APR FC were held to a goalless draw against AS Kigali at Kigali Stadium. A third in row
Kigali, Thursday, December 8, APR FC dropped points for the fourth consecutive time, a fourth consecutive draw which included three goalless draws.
In a very boring rescheduled fixture of the sixth round, the army side failed to beat the citizens in all competition games since a 3-0 victory at Kigali Stadium in December 2018 (D7 L3).
A draw between these league contenders is kind for current table toppers Rayon Sports, however, the blues will need to keep the momentum if they are to push for their first league title since the 2018/2019 season.
AS Kigali remained in 2nd place with 24 points, APR FC moved to 3rd place with 21 points, tied with fourth Kiyovu. Rayon Sports are 4 points clear at the top of the RPL table, and 7 points ahead of their arch-rivals APR FC.
In the next assignment, APR FC will travel to Rubavu to face Rutsiro FC on December 11, 2022, while AS Kigali will host Espoir FC on the same day
This is how both teams lined up
AS Kigali XI: F. Ntwali, H. Rugirayabo, J.P. Ahoyikuye, A. Kwitonda, L. Bishira (C), R.Kalisa, O. Niyonzima, J. Lawrence, M. Nyarugabo, K. Lottin , and H. Shaban
APR FC XI: P. Ishimwe, F. Ombolenga, P. Buregeya (C), C. Niyigena, C. Niyomugabo, B. Mugisha, B. Ruboneka, L. Byiringiro, R. Niyibizi, A. Muhire, and Y. Mugunga
Subs: Alexandre, Dieudonne, Fiston, Gilbert, Christian, Nshuti, Alain, And Djabel
Men's National 3x3 Basketball that will represent Rwanda at the 2022 FIBA 3x3 Africa Cup in Cairo, Egypt
Rwandan and Patriots forward Steven Hagumintwari leads a 4-man Rwanda team chosen by Moise Mutokambali for two-day FIBA 3×3 Africa Cup tournament slated in Cairo, Egypt
Yesterday, Thursday, December 1, 2022, the National men’s three-on-three (3×3) Basketball team departed for the 2022 FIBA 3×3 Africa Cup tournament which will be held from 3 to 4 December 2022 in Cairo.
With eight teams split into two groups, Rwanda is pitted in Group A alongside Egypt, Madagascar, and Botswana. Group B comprises Kenya, Tunisia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Morocco.
Team Rwanda, under the stewardship of Moise Mutokambali, Basketball National Director, will tip off their campaign against Botswana and Egypt on 3rd December.
Jean Jacques Wilson Nshobozwabyosenumukiza, the APR’s recently signed point guard, together with his new partner Patrick Ngabonziza, and last season’s most improved player, Olivier Turatsinze, make up the squad led by Steven Hagumintwari. Turatsinze plays for IPRC Kigali.
The FIBA 3×3 Africa Cup 2022 is the fourth iteration of this continental competition for African national teams. The previous edition was held in Kampala, and Egypt was proclaimed champion after defeating the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the finals.
SOR Youth Summit held at Kigali Convention Center on November 25th 2022
Special Olympics Rwanda celebrated a historic partnership with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at a Youth Leadership Summit at the Kigali Convention Center. Over 100 delegates attended, including youth with and without intellectual disabilities, government representatives, and visiting Special Olympics Africa delegations.
KIGALI, November 25, 2022, Under the theme “Unlocking the Potential of Inclusion through Unified Champion Schools,” a summit of youth with and without intellectual disabilities from primary schools, secondary schools, and universities was held and attended by Mr. Charles Nyambe, The Regional President and Managing director at Special Olympics Africa
Special Olympics International collaborated with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and ruler of Abu Dhabi, to launch the Unified Champions School (UCS) project initiative in six countries: Argentina, Egypt, India, Pakistan, Romania, and Rwanda.
According to Pastor Deus Sangwa, the chairman of Special Olympics Rwanda, the project is yielding positive results in Rwanda and people with intellectual disabilities are getting rid of isolation to live in a truly unified, harmonious and socially inclusive school society
Pastor Deus SANGWA, The Chairman of Special Olympics Rwanda
“Special Olympics Rwanda is extremely proud to host this project, and to share its experiences and activities at this Youth Summit. Unified Champions Schools has had a great impact in the Program communities, both directly and indirectly, and we are glad to be sharing our practices,” said Pastor Sangwa Deus, Chair of Special Olympics Rwanda.
The goal of Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools is to promote social inclusion via carefully designed and implemented activities that affect system-wide change, such as inclusive young leadership, whole-school awareness, and inclusive sports. Special Olympics Unified Sports is an essential component of UCS as a technique that has been shown to increase tolerance and inclusion in schools and is sponsored by a global network of sports federations and global sponsors.
Various Panel sessions discussed ways to promote social inclusion as the primary goal of UCS. From the left to the right, Jackie LUMBASI, The moderator, James MUNYANEZA, media representative, Tristan MURENZI, the executive chairperson at Rwanda we want, Mrs. Shilla NDEGEYA, the National Director of SOR, and Agnes NGAWA MUMBA, the senior manager & youth engagement at SOAL-R: Pastor Deus SANGWA, SOR’s Chairman, Mr. Charles Nyambe, SOA’s Regional President and Managing Director, Mr. John Bosco MUHAMYANGABO, UCS Project Manager at SOR, Dr. Ben Alexandre MPOZEMBIZI, National project officer at UNESCO Rwanda, and Mr. Tristan MURENZI, the executive chairperson at Rwanda we want
Special Olympics Rwanda offers events and training sessions to adolescents of all abilities that promote both personal and professional development. Special Olympics Rwanda has already trained hundreds of teachers and coaches in Unified Schools and Unified Sports management, broadening the scope of Special Olympics programming and reaching previously underserved intellectually disabled athletes.
Since 2020, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s sponsorship of this initiative has enabled the following accomplishments:
Special Olympics Rwanda has carried out this initiative from all the corners of the country; Kigali, the Eastern, Northern, and Western Provinces.
Special Olympics Rwanda has recruited 170 schools in collaboration with the Districts (40, 70, 25, and 25 schools respectively).
340 education experts in Rwanda have been prepared with Unified Champion Schools tools and information about sports for individuals with intellectual impairments by training a representative teacher and a coach from each school.
Along with sports knowledge, 110 people with intellectual disabilities have already received Unified Sports kits, which include 15 football jerseys, 9 athletics jerseys, 5 bocce jerseys, 2 footballs, 10 corners, 2 whistles, 1 stopwatch, and 1 box of bocce balls. All 170 schools are expected to receive their sports uniforms before the end of the school year.
With the donation of 200 footballs and 100 basketballs, Special Olympics Rwanda collaborated with the Ministry of Education Active Holidays Sports Equipment in the “Active Holiday” initiative, which brought together students of all abilities on summer vacation to socialize and play games in a supportive environment.
Kigali Car Free Day, a well-known sporting event that takes place every first and third Sunday of the month, when roads are closed to motorized cars and only walking and cycling are permitted. Special Olympics Rwanda has enabled persons with intellectual impairments to engage in this sport for the first time. This event has been held four times since the beginning of the initiative, with our athletes taking part each time.
Special Olympics Rwanda organized a vibrant celebration at the major Down Town Bus Station, energized by athletes, family members, and volunteers, to promote the inclusion of persons with intellectual impairments.
In the year 2020, His Highness, the President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, has given Special Olympics a transformational US$25 million gift to establish the Special Olympics Global Center for Inclusion in Education in Abu Dhabi, as well as the growth and development of Unified Champions School (UCS).
Currently, the program has established UCS in six countries, including Rwanda, with a goal of expanding to 17 additional nations by January 2023. His Highness’ generosity has resulted in the establishment of 577 new schools, the effect of more than 411,000 kids, and the training of over 4,000 coaches and teachers.
When answering a journalist’s question after the summit, Mr. Charles Nyambe, The Special Olympics Africa Chairman emphasized that the programs created to promote social inclusion will stand firm for more years on this continent and certain measures are in place to ensure that the projects are well maintained
Special Olympics Africa’s Regional President and Managing Director, Mr. Charles Nyambe
“There will be no failure. monitoring and evaluation are carried out on a regular basis. So, if we see the TrenDs, we will take immediate action. Our well-built infrastructure is something we can be proud of.”
Rwanda is the first and only country in sub-Saharan Africa to get this grant, which has been in place since 2020 and will last through 2023, thanks to its government’s inclusive approach.
The celebration was entertained by a Rwandan famed rapper, Emery GATSINZI popularly known as Riderman. An opportunity for youth to create beautiful memories to cherishOrganizers, Speakers, Panelists and Attendees who made this inclusion summit a huge success
Bienvenu Mugenzi scored a brace against his former club | Photo: SC Kiyovu
The on-form goal poacher, Bienvenu Mugenzi scored a second-half brace for SC Kiyovu, as they come from behind to force a draw in an entertaining clash against APR FC.
Wednesday, November 23, In A very tense game at Kigali Stadium, the green baggies had to come from two goals behind in the first half to force a draw against the defending champions, APR FC.
The army side started well and dominated in the early moments of the match which gave them two goals advantage in the first 15 minutes of the game. Bonheur Mugisha and Lague Byiringiro got on the scoresheet for APR.
Trailing 2-0 at the break, Kiyovu’s Alain André Landeut made a change with Khamis Bizimana taken off and replaced by Riyaad Norodien. The latter brought in some pace and thanks to the chances he created, Mugenzi found the back of the nets for the fourth and fifth time this season.
Riyaad Norodien was a game-changer after coming on for Khamis Bizimana at the halftime. | Photo: SC Kiyovu
The draw leaves table toppers unshaken. SC Kiyovu remain 2 points clear at the top of the table, followed by Rayon Sports and APR FC in the 3rd spot.
Today, Rayon Sports faces AS Kigali in a mouth-watering match-up of match day 10. For more details about RPL, follow this link.
Saturday, November 12th, several NVL games were played at MTN Arena, with the biggest game of the day being UCU against OBB, in which a 3-2 setback surprised the defending champions.
MTN Arena Lugogo is the focal point for a variety of indoor sports in the country, with basketball reaping significant benefits from hosting the National Basketball League, NBL there. The most recent NBL league playoffs produced possibly the largest turnout for a league final.
In 2019, the NVL was mostly played outdoors at Sport-S grounds, UCU grounds, and Nkumba grounds. To cap off the league, UVF held the league playoffs at the MTN Arena Lugogo.
COVID-19 lockdown halted all contact sports for nearly two years. The NVL returned in 2021-2022, with 80% of regular league matches held at the newly constructed Old Kampala Sports Arena.
Fans expected the season playoffs to be held at the MTN Arena, but the federation decided it had no choice but to stay at Old Kampala because the Lugogo venue was fully booked on scheduled match days.
The 2022/2023 season saw a large turnout at the league launch. Ndejje University shared the spoils with Nemo Stars in a 3-2 win for the former, with Sport-S’ 3-0 victory over defending champions OBB drawing the most attention.
The league returned to the Old Kampala Sports Arena, but not for long; week 8 fixtures were held last Saturday at the MTN Arena in Lugogo. Does this imply that fans will watch league games at this venue regularly?
According to a post on the official Uganda Volleyball Federation Twitter page, the Minister of State for Education and Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang, paid a visit to the federation at their offices at Unicalo Building and discussed matters pertaining to the fair distribution of time to all indoor sports federations in the utilization of the MTN Arena.
The visit took place about three weeks ago, just before matches at the MTN Arena. The return of the National Volleyball League to Lugogo will delight fans because the venue is strategically located in Kampala’s sports hub.
