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Excitement Builds as Rwanda Volleyball League Second Phase Serves Off This Friday.

Rwanda Volleyball
The second phase of the Rwanda Volleyball National League begins on Friday, January 17, at Petit Stade, with Police VC and RRA seeking to preserve their perfect records in both the men’s and women’s categories.

 

After a month-long break for the festive season and the first leg break, the volleyball action shifts from sand to indoor courts as teams resume their journey toward the Rwanda Volleyball League 2024-25 title.

Fred Musoni’s police team finished the first phase unbeaten, with seven victories, and will start the second phase against REG VC—the same opponent they faced in the league opener.

Rwanda National Police Volleyball Club triumphed over REG in a straight-sets match lasting 1:09:11, marking a stylish start to the 2024/2025 league season. This dominant victory motivated them to outshine the other six teams and finish the first leg in pole position.

FRVB scheduled this highly anticipated match for 7:00 PM, with REG—who finished second after the first leg—seeking to bounce back from a 3-0 loss in the opening round
If they fail to respond, they could suffer a double defeat against a direct title contender in the regular season.

Before the Police-REG clash, Rwanda Revenue Authority will face Kepler WVC at 5:00 PM. The tax collectors are currently at the top of the women’s standings with a perfect 7-0 record from the first leg.

Elie Mutabazi’s RRA will continue pursuing the league title, which the team last won in 2023, as they face the league debutants. Despite a narrow 3-0 loss (25-22, 25-21, 25-22) to RRA in a closely contested first-leg match, Kepler has shown strong competitiveness in their debut season.

Kepler finished fourth in the first leg, a position that guarantees a playoff berth if they maintain it through the end of the regular season.

The Rwanda Volleyball National League 2024-25 season features 8 teams in each category, and the top four teams will advance to the playoffs to determine the league champions.

RPL: Mukura and Amagaju Stand Tall in Huye, Toppling APR and Rayon Sports.

RPL
The highly anticipated Rwanda Premier League (RPL) Match Day 15 doubleheader in Huye District, which marked the climax of the first leg, saw Mukura and Amagaju defend their home turf and claim bragging rights by overcoming league powerhouses Rayon Sports and APR.

 

Amagaju FC shocked APR FC 1-0, a day after Mukura Victory Sports stunned league leaders Rayon Sports 2-1, both matches held at Huye Stadium.

Mukura Victory Sports ended Rayon Sports’ unbeaten run in the 2024-25 RPL season, stopping it at 14 games with a thrilling encounter.

Jordan Dimbumba opened the scoring in the 39th minute, and Fred Niyonizeye doubled the Yellow and Blacks’ lead three minutes later, giving the home team a 2-0 advantage at halftime.

RPL
Two first-half goals helped Mukura bring an end to Rayon Sports’ unbeaten run

Fall Ngagne pulled one back for Rayon Sports eight minutes into the second half with a penalty, but the resilient Mukura held on until the 90th minute, despite the pressure from Rayon Sports fans who filled Huye Stadium.

The final 2-1 result in favor of Mukura set the stage for the eagerly anticipated Sunday matchup between Amagaju and APR to conclude Match Day 15 of the first leg.

What goes around comes around: While APR fans were still celebrating Mukura’s victory, Amagaju added more drama to the weekend by defeating APR 1-0, thanks to Eduard Ndayishimiye’s 56th-minute goal.

The standings at the top remained unchanged, with Rayon Sports finishing the first leg with 36 points, 5 points clear of second-placed APR. Mukura and Amagaju sat in 7th and 8th positions, respectively, with both teams having 21 points each.

The Huye district enjoyed a vibrant three-day extra-football atmosphere, with parties and celebrations extending beyond the matches and local businesses such as restaurants, bars, and hotels experiencing high demand from Friday evening through Sunday.

The RPL second leg is scheduled to begin in early February, contingent upon the national team’s participation in the CHAN tournament.

RPL Adjusts Mukura-Rayon Sports Kickoff to 5 p.m.

RPL
The Rwanda Premier League (RPL) has approved Mukura’s request to reschedule their fixture against Rayon Sports to Saturday, January 11, at 5 p.m. at Huye Stadium.

 

The Rwanda Premier League released a statement this Tuesday regarding the Matchday 15 fixture between Mukura Victory Sports and Rayon Sports.

In the statement, RPL addressed recent speculation about the kickoff time and confirmed that they had received and approved Mukura’s request to shift the kickoff to 5 p.m.

The Mukura versus Rayon Sports match is one of the most anticipated fixtures of RPL Matchday 15, as the Blues travel to the Southern Province to maintain their unbeaten run and continue their pursuit of league glory, which has eluded them since 2019.

Mukura once halted APR’s longest unbeaten run and is poised to present a tough challenge to the Blues, potentially stopping their current form. The two teams share a longstanding and friendly rivalry, with both enjoying significant fan bases in the Southern Province.

The Yellow and Blacks currently sit in 8th position with 18 points, half of Rayon Sports’ 36 points at the top of the table.

The matchup is one of the most-watched matches in the Rwanda Premier League. As of the time of publishing, Huye-based Mukura has announced that fans have already booked 81% of VVIP, 42% of VIP, 28% of regular, and 42% of general seats, meaning that ticket buyers have reserved 41% of the total seats at Huye Stadium just 76 hours before kickoff.

Huye District will be the epicenter of Rwanda Premier League action this weekend, as the second-placed APR will also face Amagaju on Sunday at the same venue.

Beach Volleyball: Paul Akan and Jahara Koita Halt the Long-Dominant Pair of Ntagengwa and Kavalo.

Beach Volleyball
The second phase of the Rwanda Beach Volleyball National Tour saw a remarkable upset as Paul Akan from Ghana and Jahara Koita from Gambia halted the long-time dominance of the pair Olivier Ntagengwa and Patrick Kavalo Akumuntu. Meanwhile, in the women’s category, Munezero and Benitha’s consistent performance went uninterrupted.

 

Volleyball enthusiasts flocked to King Fisher Resort in Rwesero for the first weekend of 2025, where a Ghanaian-Gambian duo triumphed in the Rwanda Beach Volleyball National Tour Phase 2.

Ghanaian Paul Akan, a regular partner of Prince Kanamugire, switched partners to join Gambian Jahara Koita, forming a strengthened duo to challenge Rwanda’s dominant beach volleyball pair of Ntagengwa and Kavalo.

The exciting three-day event that attracted 22 pairs culminated on Sunday, January 5, with a thrilling final. Akan and Koita defeated Ntagengwa and Kavalo in straight sets (21-15, 21-19) to claim the gold medals.

Meanwhile, Mandela Nzirimo and Revis Niyikiza, another emerging beach volleyball pair, secured the bronze medals by beating David Neeke and Jean Paul Muyisenge 2-1.

In the women’s category, Rwanda’s top pair, Munezero and Benitha, maintained their flawless streak, showing no signs of slowing down. The duo has been dominating local competitions, building strong chemistry, and earning valuable points that have helped them rise in the FIVB Women’s Beach Volleyball World Rankings.

Beach Volleyball
Munezero and Benitha are dominating Rwanda’s local beach volleyball tournaments, going unchallenged

Following their triumph in Phase 1, Munezero and Benitha earned 40 points, bringing their total to 1,336 points, which moved them from 145th to 124th in the global rankings and 5th to 4th in Africa.

Valentine Munezero and Benitha Mukandayisenga defeated Penelope Musabyimana and Amito Sharon 2-0 (21-16, 21-11) in the final, adding this gold medal to the one they recently claimed at the Mamba Beach Volleyball tournament last month.

In this category, Francoise Yankurije and Aliane Nirere claimed third place by defeating Iris Ndagijimana and Sande Meldinah 2-0.

Apart from medals, the winners of this phase pocketed three hundred thousand Rwandan francs, while the second-place pair received two hundred thousand Rwandan francs, and the third-place pair took home one hundred thousand Rwandan francs.

Beach Volleyball
Raphael Ngarambe, President of the FRVB, awarded gold medals and a trophy to Jahara Koita (L) and Paul Akan.
Beach Volleyball
Valentine Munezero (L), Raphael Ngarambe and Benitha Mukandayisenga

The Rwanda Volleyball Federation has scheduled the Rwanda Beach Volleyball National Tour Phase 3 for June 2025, at the shores of Lake Kivu in Rubavu District.

Rwanda’s beach volleyball national tours have grown highly competitive, as the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) recognizes them, giving players the chance to earn points that impact their rankings in the FIVB World Rankings.

Beach Volleyball
the Winners of the Rwanda Beach Volleyball National Tour II

Image credits: derio_images

Youssou Diagne Leads Rayon Sports to 2-0 Win, Stays Top of RPL.

Youssou Diagne
The Senegalese defender Youssou Diagne broke the deadlock in the Rwanda Premier League (RPL) matchday 14 against Police FC and stood firm in defense to help his side, Rayon Sports, secure their 11th clean sheet in 14 matches.

 

Rayon Sports defeated Police FC 2-0 on Saturday, January 5, in a rescheduled RPL matchday 14, continuing the strong form they finished 2024 with.

Gikundiro, with four Senegalese players in the starting lineup, shone from the beginning, and goal machine Fall Ngagne nearly won a penalty. However, referee Samuel Uwikunda booked him for diving.

Rayon Sports skipper and assist leader, Kevin Muhire, suffered an early injury and was replaced by Hadji Iraguha, allowing Fiston Ishimwe to take over the flank for the rest of the match.

Youssou Diagne opened the scoring in the dying minutes of the first half, thanks to a courtesy pass from his Senegalese compatriot Fall Ngagne.

The second half saw Police coach Vincent Mashami shake up his lineup, bringing on Didier Mugisha and Simeon Iradukunda for Muhadjiri Hakizimana and captain Eric Nsabimana. However, their efforts to connect with Ani Elijah fell short as the Senegalese defense, led by Youssou Diagne and Omar Gning, remained firm.

In the 63rd minute, a drive from Malian wonderkid Adama Bagayoko in the box forced Carnot Shami to score an own goal, doubling Rayon Sports’ lead.

Police FC continued to pressure the Blues, but a fast-paced Rayon Sports winger, Aziz Bassane, outpaced Carnot Shami in a one-on-one situation. Shami, with limited options, fouled Bassane, resulting in a second yellow card and his subsequent red card.

Youssou Diagne
Police’s right-back, Carnot Shami (#28 Dark), had a difficult second half, receiving two yellow cards and scoring an own goal

The 2-0 result at full time saw Youssou Diagne’s Rayon Sports register their 11th clean sheet in 14 matches. Robertinho’s coached team now has 36 points from 11 wins in 14 matches.

Rayon Sports boasts the best attack in the league with 24 goals while conceding the fewest (4). Senegalese attacker Fall Ngagne leads the scoring chart with 8 goals, while Youssou Diagne’s defense not only has the most clean sheets but also the fewest goals conceded.

Rayon Sports’ impressive statistics keep them at the top of the standings, 8 points clear of second-placed APR FC.

Youssou Diagne and Rayon Sports will return to the pitch on January 11, away to Mukura in the Huye district.

Uganda Set to Host the 2025 CAVB Zone V Volleyball Club Championship

CAVB ZONE V
Uganda is gearing up to host one of the most prestigious volleyball events in the region—the CAVB Zone V Volleyball Club Championship.

Scheduled from February 16 to February 23, 2025, the tournament will take place at the iconic Lugogo Indoor Stadium in Kampala, setting the stage for a thrilling week of regional volleyball action.

This announcement by the CAVB Zone V Executive Committee designates Kampala as the host city for the annual championship, organized in collaboration with the Uganda Volleyball Federation. The event signifies a historic moment for Uganda, as it will be the first major regional volleyball competition under the leadership of Sadik Nasiwu, who became CAVB Zone V President in 2024, succeeding Rwanda’s Fernand Ruterana.

A Packed Schedule

The championship will kick off with team arrivals and a technical meeting on February 16, followed by six days of intense competition from February 17 to February 22. Teams will depart on February 23, concluding the event.

The tournament will feature the top three teams from each of the 12 CAVB Zone V member countries, with defending champions allowed to send four teams. This promises a highly competitive event, as the Rwanda National Police (men) and Kenya Pipeline Corporation (women) aim to defend their titles against formidable challengers.

Uganda’s Strong Volleyball Legacy

Kampala’s selection as host reflects Uganda’s proven track record in organizing international volleyball events. Notably, the city hosted the All-Africa Games qualifiers for women in 2019. Although Uganda’s bid to host the 2020 Women’s U-20 African Nations Championship was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, this championship presents a new opportunity to shine on the regional stage.

Diverse Regional Representation

CAVB Zone V comprises 12 countries—Burundi, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda—ensuring a diverse and vibrant competition. Fans can anticipate a rich exchange of culture and talent throughout the tournament.

High Hopes for Uganda’s Teams

Uganda’s recent performances in regional volleyball have set high expectations. The Sport-S Volleyball Club finished second in the men’s category during the 2023 championship, while the Kampala City Council Authority (KCCA) team secured fifth place in the women’s category. With the advantage of playing on home soil, Uganda’s teams are poised to deliver strong performances and potentially claim top honors.

A Showcase of Talent and Opportunity

Star players from Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda are expected to light up the courts with their exceptional skills. The championship serves as a platform for players to gain international exposure, attract sponsorships, and inspire the next generation of volleyball enthusiasts.

Beyond Sports: Economic and Cultural Impact

The championship will bring economic benefits to Uganda, boosting local businesses such as hotels, transport services, and vendors. It also provides an opportunity to showcase Uganda’s hospitality and cultural richness to the region. Visitors will have the chance to explore Kampala’s vibrant cultural and historical attractions, enhancing the country’s profile as a tourist destination.

Meticulous Preparations Underway

The Uganda Volleyball Federation and the local organizing committee are working tirelessly to ensure a flawless event. From logistical planning to promotional campaigns, every aspect is being carefully managed to deliver an unforgettable championship.

Anticipation Builds

As the countdown to February 2025 begins, excitement is mounting among athletes, fans, and officials. The CAVB Zone V Volleyball Club Championship promises not only electrifying matches but also a celebration of sportsmanship, unity, and regional camaraderie.

For Uganda, this event is a golden opportunity to solidify its status as a hub for international sports and to inspire future volleyball stars. The stakes are high, and the anticipation is palpable let the games begin!

Mamba Beach Volleyball Tournament 2024: Akumuntu/Ntagengwa and Munezero/Benitha Claim Gold in Thrilling Finals.

Mamba Beach Volleyball
The 2024 Mamba Beach Volleyball Tournament came to a spectacular close on Sunday, December 22, with gold medals awarded to the dynamic pairs of Akumuntu/Ntagengwa in the men’s category and Munezero/Benitha in the women’s competition.

 

The event, which spanned three action-packed days from December 20 to 22, exhibited thrilling volleyball action on the sandy courts of Mamba Club and Green-park Gahanga.

Now in its 16th edition and second as an expanded tournament, the Mamba Volleyball Club—comprising former volleyball players in Rwanda—has organized a beach volleyball event that has gained prominence, and the Rwanda Volleyball Federation (FRVB) has officially added it to their annual schedule.

After the group stage and knockout matches on Friday and Saturday, Mamba hosted the exciting finals on Sunday to conclude the three-day event.

In the men’s final, seasoned Patrick Akumuntu and Olivier Ntagengwa won the gold medal, defeating Paul Akan and Prince Kanamugire 21-19, 21-19 in a tough contest.

Mamba Beach Volleyball
Kavalo attempting to block Akan’s attack.

Johara and Matheus claimed the bronze medal with a 2-0 victory over Mandela and Levis.

The women’s final was nothing short of spectacular, with Rwanda’s top beach volleyball duo, Valentine Munezero and Benitha Mukandayisenga, battling it out against fellow APR volleyball teammates Penelope Musabyimana and Sharon Amito.

Munezero and Benitha edged out a close first set, 21-18, but Penelope and Sharon bounced back in the second, taking it 21-15 to level the match. The energy on the court soared, but Munezero and Benitha’s strong chemistry carried them through the final set, which they won 15-12 to claim the gold medal.

The battle was intense for former allies, now opponents, as Penelope Musabyimana and Valentine Munezero share a long history as childhood partners, having won a youth bronze medal together at the 2017 Commonwealth Games in the Bahamas.

Mamba Beach Volleyball
Valentine Munezero serving the ball.
Mamba Beach Volleyball
Penelope Musabyimana, a childhood ally of Valentine Munezero.

Catherine Ainembabazi and Judith Hakizimana clinched the bronze medal in the women’s competition, beating Sandra and Jennifer 2-0.

In the veteran’s category, the final saw Mamba Beach Club’s sponsored pair, Gerard Muziganyi and Olivier Akimana, triumph over the Green Park-Gahanga-backed couple of Jean Luc Ndayikengurukiye and Bosco Bayizere. Muziganyi and Akimana dominated the match, winning 2-0 (21-10, 21-16).

Mamba Beach Volleyball
Jean Luc Ndayikengurukiye (1) and Bosco Bayizere (2) in green pose with officials and Gerard Muziganyi (1) & Olivier Akimana (2).

The awarding ceremony celebrated the tournament’s success, with Mamba presenting substantial prizes to the winners in all categories.

Mamba awarded Rwf 300,000 to the winners in both the men’s and women’s categories, Rwf 200,000 to the runners-up, and Rwf 150,000 to the third-place finishers.

Mr. Raphael Ngarambe, President of the FRVB, praised Mamba Volleyball Club during the ceremony for its key role in advancing beach volleyball in Rwanda. He also recognized the tournament’s growing significance and announced its official inclusion in the FRVB’s annual calendar.

Mamba Beach Volleyball
From left to right: Dieudonné Nzeyimana, Secretary General of Mamba; Pierre Shema, Vice President of Mamba; Raphaël Ngarambe, President of FRVB; Christian Shingiro, President of Mamba; Josée Umutesi, Treasurer of Mamba; and Olivier Rwigema.

“We, as the federation, have seen the tournament’s growth, and we are pleased to officially include it in Rwanda’s annual volleyball calendar,” Ngarambe said, reflecting on the tournament’s growth and appeal.

Mamba Beach Volleyball 2024 attracted 10 professional men’s pairs, 4 women’s pairs, and 13 veteran pairs.

More Pictures:

Mamba Beach Volleyball

Mamba Beach Volleyball

Mamba Beach Volleyball

Mamba Beach Volleyball

Mamba Beach Volleyball

Mamba Beach Volleyball

CHAN 2025 Qualifiers: Amavubi Suffer 3-2 Loss to South Sudan, Qualification Hopes in Jeopardy

CHAN 2025
Juba, South Sudan – The bright stars handed the Rwanda national football team, the Amavubi, a 3-2 defeat in the first leg of their CHAN 2025 qualifiers on Sunday.

 

Defender Aimable Nsabimana’s early own goal dashed Rwanda’s hopes of securing a positive result in Juba.

The mistake left Amavubi playing catch-up from the outset, and their task became even more difficult when South Sudan’s Mandela Malish doubled the lead in the 21st minute.

Amavubi started the second half with renewed determination, with captain Kevin Muhire leading the way Just four minutes after the break, Muhire scored to give the Amavubi a glimmer of hope, but their joy was short-lived.

South Sudan quickly regained control when Ebon Ezen Malish scored in the 54th minute to restore the Bright Stars’ two-goal advantage.

A substitute, Didier Mugisha, trimmed the margin once again in the 66th minute, but the Bright Stars held firm in the remaining minutes of the match, ultimately securing a 3-2 victory in favor of South Sudan.

The loss in Juba complicates Rwanda’s journey to CHAN 2025, as the CECAFA region has four slots in the final tournament, and only one of them is up for grabs.

Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda have automatic qualification as host nations, while Rwanda, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Sudan, and Burundi are all fighting for the remaining spot.

Therefore, even a win against South Sudan in the second leg on December 28 at Amahoro Stadium does not guarantee Amavubi’s qualification.

A complicated scenario is likely to unfold after the second leg matches, with five teams vying for a single spot, each in separate matchups.

Kiyovu defeated Vision 3-2 in a first-half thriller to escape the relegation zone.

Kiyovu
Kiyovu Sports Club defeated Vision FC 3-2 in a dramatic first-half thriller of RPL Matchday 14, securing their first win in five matches and climbing out of the relegation zone.


Kiyovu ended a four-game winless streak in the Rwanda Premier League on Saturday, December 21, with a 3-2 victory over Vision FC, climbing the table just before the final match of the first leg of the season

Vision FC took an early lead, with Omar Nizeyimana scoring just six minutes after kickoff. but, Kiyovu quickly responded, as Cedric Mugenzi and Desire Mugisha found the net to give Kiyovu a 2-1 advantage after 31 minutes.

In the closing moments of the first half, Vision’s Prosper Rugangazi, a former Gasogi player, equalized for Vision FC. but, just two minutes later, Olivier Manzi scored an own goal, giving Kiyovu the lead again as they went into the break 3-2 up.

The five goals scored in the first half proved enough, as the scoreline remained unchanged in the second half, securing Kiyovu’s victory.

With the win, Kiyovu moved out of the relegation zone, bringing their total to 11 points from 14 matches—one point clear of danger. Etincelles FC, with 10 points from 13 matches, now sit just below them in the table.

Meanwhile, Vision FC remain at the bottom of the league with only 9 points from 14 games.

Photos: 

Kiyovu
Prosper Rugangazi
Kiyovu
Kiyovu MD Cherif Bayo
Kiyovu
Vision FC celebrates an early goal to take the lead
Kiyovu
Kiyovu’s Kevin Ishimwe battles for the ball with Vision’s Prosper Rugangazi.

Image Credits: RPL

Amavubi’s 25-Man Squad Departs for Juba for CHAN 2025 Qualifiers

CHAN 2025
Amavubi have traveled to South Sudan for the second round of the CHAN 2025 Qualifiers.
Rwanda’s national football team, Amavubi, consisting of 25 players and led by coach Jimmy Mulisa, has departed from Kanombe International Airport for Juba via Addis Ababa to face South Sudan’s Bright Stars in the second round of the CHAN 2025 Qualifiers.

 

Amavubi left Kigali International Airport for Juba on Thursday morning, December 19, to play their second-round encounter in the African Nations Championship, CHAN 2025.

Under Frank Torsten Splitter, who is currently on holiday, Rwanda eliminated Djibouti with a 3-1 aggregate score in the first round. The second round will fall under the management of Jimmy Mulisa, the usual assistant coach to Frank Torsten Splitter.

Sosthene Habimana will assist Mulisa in this double encounter, with South Sudan hosting the first leg at Juba Stadium on December 22.The return leg will take place at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on December 28.

South Sudan reached this stage of the qualifiers by defeating Kenya 3-1 on aggregate in the first round.

The winner of the Rwanda-South Sudan match will qualify for the CHAN 2025 tournament, which will see the CECAFA Zone represented by four teams, including hosts Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, in February 2025.

CHAN 2025
Amavubi have been in training camp since the start of this week at both Amahoro and KPS, preparing for their CHAN 2025 second-round clash against the Bright Stars

Traveling Squad:

          1. Gad Muhawenayo (GK, Gorilla FC)
          2. Adolphe Hakizimana (GK, AS Kigali)
          3. Fils François Habineza (GK, Etoile de L’Est)
          4. Jean Gilbert Byiringiro (RB, APR FC)
          5. Ali Serumogo (RB, Rayon Sports)
          6. Claude Niyomugabo (LB, APR FC)
          7. Hakim Bugingo (LB, Rayon Sports)
          8. Aimable Nsabimana (CB, Rayon Sports)
          9. Clement Niyigena (CB, APR FC)
          10. Yunusu Nshimiyimana (CB, APR FC)
          11. Prince Buregeya (CB, AS Kigali)
          12. Kevin Muhire (MD, Rayon Sports)
          13. Bosco Ruboneka (MD, APR FC)
          14. Pacifique Ngabonziza (MD, Police FC)
          15. Ramadhan Niyibizi (MD, APR FC)
          16. Roger Kanamugire (MD, Rayon Sports)
          17. Aime Ntirushwa (MD, AS Kigali)
          18. Gilbert Mugisha (F, APR FC)
          19. Hadji Iraguha (F, Rayon Sports)
          20. Arsene Tuyisenge (F, APR FC)
          21. Abdallaziz Harerimana (F, Gasogi United)
          22. Olivier Dushimimana (F, APR FC)
          23. Mubarakh Nizeyimana (F, Marines)
          24. Taiba Mbonyumwami (F, Marines)
          25. Didier Mugisha (F, Police FC)