Rwanda’s four representatives delivered a mixed but largely encouraging performance as the group stage of the African Men’s Volleyball Club Championship concluded in Kigali, with Police VC, Kepler VC and REG VC finishing strongly while APR VC suffered a late setback.
Police VC stood out as the only Rwandan side to complete the group stage unbeaten, topping Group C after a hard-fought five-set victory over Kenya Ports Authority (25-20, 20-25, 25-19, 21-25, 15-12). The result secured them 14 points and confirmed their status as group leaders heading into the knockout phase.
Kepler VC recovered from an earlier defeat to seal a 3-1 win over Kenya’s Equity Bank VC (19-25, 20-25, 25-23, 25-18), finishing second in Group B with 12 points after a competitive campaign against some of the continent’s established sides.
REG VC also responded positively after a setback earlier in the competition, producing a straight-sets victory over Ghana’s Kalibi SC (25-19, 25-22, 25-23) to secure second place in Group D, also on 12 points.
APR VC, which had entered the final round unbeaten, saw its run halted by Egypt’s Petrojet, losing 3-0 (18-25, 18-25, 27-29) in a closely contested encounter at BK Arena. Despite the defeat, APR still progressed from Group A, finishing third with 11 points.
Overall, all four Rwandan clubs advanced to the round of 16 from a field of 24 teams divided into four groups. The progression underscores a strong collective showing for the host nation, with three teams finishing in second place in their respective pools.
The competition now shifts to the knockout stage, with the round of 16 scheduled to resume after a rest day.
The group phase, which ran over six days starting April 22, featured a high level of competition involving top clubs from across Africa.
APR VC competed in Group A alongside Black Rhinos (Zimbabwe), Litto Team Volleyball (Cameroon), Nemo Stars VC (Uganda), Nigeria Customs Service, and Petrojet SC (Egypt).
Kepler VC played in Group B featuring Al Ahly SC (Egypt), Cameroon Sports Volleyball, SPORT-S VC (Uganda), AS INJS (Côte d’Ivoire), and Equity Bank VC (Kenya).
Police VC featured in Group C alongside Faith Union Sport (Morocco), Kenya Ports Authority, Wolaitta Volleyball (Ethiopia), Prisons VC (Tanzania), and Ghana Army.
REG VC competed in Group D with General Service Unit VC (Kenya), Port Autonome de Douala (Cameroon), Atlético Clube do Mindelo (Cape Verde), Rukinzo VC (Burundi), and Kalibi SC (Ghana).
