APR men’s volleyball club head coach Sammy Mutemi Mulinge has vowed to retain the league title. The season is scheduled to start on February 21.

APR dominated rivals Rayon Sports and INATEK to win the league last season and Mulinge is keen to retain his key players that helped the army side reclaim the title from National University of Rwanda (currently University of Rwanda-Huye campus).

"My mission is to defend the title and we will do everything possible to achieve it,” the Kenyan trainer told Times Sport.

Meanwhile, The Rwanda Volleyball Federation Executive Secretary, Christian Hatumimana confirmed the league will kick off as planned with the nine teams for men’s category and eight teams for the women’s category.

Hatumimana said the level of competition is expected to be better as they are planning to introduce the second division and many competitions, which will help to raise the level of the players.

He said, "The league has not secured sponsors but we are working hard to secure one before the season kicks off, it is hard but we are in talks with some companies and we hope that we will find them.”

APR are the reigning men’s champions while Rwanda Revenue Authority are the defending champions for the women category. Both teams will compete in Africa Club Championships later March this year.

At the end of the last year’s league, Imbuto Foundation pumped Rwf10m into the National Volleyball League (Playoffs).

editorial@newtimes.co.rw