APR Volleyball Club have strengthened their squad with the return of Rwanda national team captain Dusenge Wicklif and libero Manzi Sadulu, with both players signing two-year contracts as the military side steps up preparations for the new season.
Dusenge rejoins APR from Kepler VC after two successful seasons, during which he helped the club win several domestic titles, including the most recent Genocide Memorial Tournament (GMT), where he was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.
The experienced attacker is currently in camp with Rwanda’s national team preparing for the African Volleyball Championship. Renowned for his powerful attacks and effective serving, local reports indicate his move is the most expensive player transfer in the history of Rwandan volleyball, although the transfer fee has not been disclosed.
The move marks Dusenge’s return to the club where he began his senior career after completing his studies at Groupe Scolaire Officiel de Butare. He later embarked on a successful professional journey abroad, spending two years with Egypt’s Canal Sport before returning to Rwanda to play for REG VC.
Primarily an opposite hitter, Dusenge is also capable of playing as an outside hitter. His career has also included spells with Talaea El-Geish in Egypt, Gisagara VC, Qatar’s Al Wakrah SC and Al-Nasr Dubai in the United Arab Emirates before his move back to Rwanda with Kepler VC.
APR had been searching for a reliable opposite hitter since Ghanaian international Hakeem Mukaila suffered an injury that ruled him out for the entire second half of last season. The shortage forced the club to recruit South Sudanese opposite hitter James Achuil from EAUR VC for the CAVB Men’s Club Championship.
With Mukaila now fully recovered, Dusenge’s arrival significantly strengthens APR’s attacking options alongside Kenny Ntawiha.
APR have also secured the return of libero Manzi Sadulu from Police VC after two seasons away from the club.
Manzi first left APR in 2024 to join Police VC but returns following the expiration of his contract. Reports indicate his departure was also influenced by limited playing opportunities, largely due to differences with the club’s coaching staff.
He rejoins an APR side that already has Bertin Masabo and Levis Niyikiza competing for the libero position, increasing competition in the squad ahead of the new campaign.
The double signing signals APR’s intent to rebuild after one of the most disappointing seasons in the club’s recent history. The former league champions failed to finish among the top four teams in the national championship for the first time, missing out on the playoffs despite entering the season as defending champions.
APR’s rebuilding efforts have also been marked by tragedy after newly signed middle blocker Patrick Byiringiro passed away following an illness last month before making his competitive debut for the club.
