Armee Patriotique Rwandaise (APR) Volleyball Club stamped their dominance at the CAVB Zone V Club Championship, clinching both the men’s and women’s titles at the MTN Arena in Lugogo, Kampala.
The Rwandan side showcased resilience and tactical superiority throughout the competition held between February 26 and March 4, making history as the first club to win both trophies in the same edition of the tournament.
In the women’s final, APR overcame defending champions Kenya Pipeline in a tightly contested four-set thriller.
Pipeline started strong, winning the first set 25-20 as APR struggled with defensive lapses.
However, the Rwandan side adjusted swiftly, capitalizing on Pipeline’s unforced errors and tightening their blocks to take the second set 25-17.
The third set was a fierce battle, with Pipeline reaching set point first, but APR clawed back to claim it 26-24. The pressure mounted in the fourth set, but APR held their nerve, sealing the victory at 25-23.
A decisive attack from Sarah Lamito delivered the championship, confirming APR’s dominance in the women’s division.
The men’s final saw an all-Rwanda showdown between APR and Rwanda National Police, a fixture that lived up to expectations.
Police, who had overcome Ugandan defending champions Sport-S, came out aggressively, dictating the tempo early on, but APR’s resilience saw them edge the first set 26-24.
Police responded in the second set, reducing errors and capitalizing on APR’s misjudgments to level the match with a 25-19 win. .
However, APR reasserted their authority in the third set, controlling the net with powerful attacks to win 25-18.
With momentum firmly in their favour, they maintained a steady lead in the fourth set, closing out the match 25-21 to secure the championship title.
APR’s dominance was further reflected in the individual awards, with the club sweeping several accolades in the men’s category.
Paul Akan, a standout performer for APR, was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Best Setter, while teammates Denis Ireke and Mukaila Hakeem claimed Best Outside Hitter and Best Opposite Attacker, respectively.
Steven Ntigurirwa was recognised as the Best Libero, cementing APR’s all-around excellence.
In the women’s category, APR’s Mpuhwezimana Diane earned the MVP and Best Setter awards, while teammates Uwiringiyimana Albertine and Gaoleseletse Gasekgonwe took home the Best Middle Blocker and Best Opposite Attacker honours.
Kenya Pipeline’s Kasaya Leonida and Simiyu Loice secured the Best Outside Hitter and Best Server awards, respectively, highlighting their contributions despite their team falling short in the final.
Meanwhile, in the third-place playoffs, Uganda’s Sport-S secured bronze in the women’s division after defeating Nkumba, while Rwanda Energy Group (REG) overcame Sport-S to claim third place in the men’s category.
