Rwanda Energy Group (REG) have clinched their historic first title in the men’s national volleyball league after beating Gisagara on Saturday.

Benon Mugisha’s men proved triumphant over two-time champions in a repeat of the 2018 playoffs finals.

Despite a bigger crowd of the fully-packed Amahoro Indoor Stadium noticeably rallying behind Gisagara, there was no stopping the red-and-black outfit.

Led by left-attacker Christophe Mukunzi, who was also named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the season, REG took the tight first set 25-23 before claiming the second and third sets in an identical 25-21 score-line to win the highly anticipated game in less than two hours.

This was Game 3, and the last, of the best-of-three playoffs finals after both sides had won a game each in the first two games.

Speaking to Sunday Sport in a post-match interview, REG coach Mugisha, visibly relieved, confessed that "this is absolutely one of the happiest days of my life.”

He further noted: "It has been a long season, but at the end of the day we prevailed. This can only be the beginning of a new era for the club.”

However, REG victory was not the only highlight on the night. There was also announced the team of the season, while the MVP award went to hard-hitter Mukunzi who only joined REG from Gisagara at the start of the 2018/2019 season.

By winning the league title, REG also automatically qualified to represent the country at the 2020 CAVB Men’s African Club Championships.

Team of the season:

Emile Karera (Gisagara), Ivan Mahoro (UTB), Amadou Doudou Djibril (Gisagara), Olivier Ntagengwa (REG), Samuel Niyogisubizo (UTB) and REG superstar Mukunzi.

editor@newtimesrwanda.com