Kepler VC has retired the No. 11 jersey worn by Patrick Byiringiro in honor of the late middle blocker, who was laid to rest at Rugerero Cemetery in Rubavu District.
Byiringiro died on July 15 after battling stomach cancer. He had been with Kepler VC since the club’s inception in 2023 and was also a student at Kepler College in Kinyinya.
The 22-year-old had already secured a move to APR VC and was set to join the club ahead of the 2026/27 volleyball season.
His death has sent shockwaves through Rwanda’s volleyball community, where he was widely regarded as one of the country’s most promising young players. He was also the younger brother of REG BBC captain Muhizi Prince.
Tributes poured in from across the country’s sporting fraternity, including messages from Kepler founder Nathalie Munyampenda, Minister of Sports Nelly Mukazayire, the Rwanda Volleyball Federation (FRVB), clubs, teammates, supporters, and other members of the public.
Following his final farewell, Kepler VC announced that Byiringiro’s No. 11 jersey has been permanently retired. The club said no player will wear the number again, making him the first player in its history to receive the honor.
