Rwanda Energy Group (REG) and Armée Patriotique Rwandaise (APR) emerged as champions of the 2022/23 Rwanda National League last weekend after finishing top of their respective categories.

While REG amassed 57 points from eight legs to claim the title of men’s champions, APR won the women’s league with a round to spare having registered a total of 54 points from as many legs.  

The battle for the men’s title went down to the wire as both Gisagara and REG went into last weekend’s eighth leg with a realistic chance of winning the league. However, it was REG - led by coach Marchal Kwizera – who came out on top despite tying on 57 points with Gisagara.

REG players celebrate after winning the 2022/23 National League title. PHOTO | FRVB

The power men, who edged out Gisagara to the title on wins ratio (4 legs compared to 3), are now aiming to excel at the African Volleyball Clubs Championship set for March.

“It was a tough season for us since Gisagara pushed us all the way. I know them (Gisagara) so well having coached them before. It helped us in a way but I am proud of what my young team has achieved. Our two professional players from Cameroon, Marchal and Ngom, also played a big role for us with their experience coming in handy,” said Kwizera, who returned to REG at the start of the season after two years at Gisagara.

REG coach Marchal Kwizera gives instructions from the touchline in a past competition. PHOTO | FRVB

While basking in the glory of his first ever league title with REG, Kwizera has identified gray areas in his squad that he intends to polish before the continental competition.

“The African Clubs competition is a different ball game since we will face good teams from North Africa, Kenya and Cameroon. We need to sign a middle blocker and an outside hitter to strengthen our squad because we want to fight for a place on the podium,” said Kwizera.

APR coach Florien Siborurema was beyond excitement after his charges won seven out of the eight legs throughout the season. He attributed their impressive run to early preseason training and teamwork.

“We had to work very hard before this season to get a good start in the league which brought us these results. We started training on time and participated in various Continental tournaments in Uganda and Tanzania which helped the players to get into competition shape,” noted Siborurema.