Pierre Maréchal Kwizera has hailed his Gisagara players after fighting back to beat champions Rwanda Energy Group (REG) in the national volleyball league on Saturday.

The two-time champions edged REG in a five-set (3-2) thriller at Amahoro Indoor Stadium.

"We refused to give up, and that fighting spirit pulled us through,” said Kwizera, who was a REG player last season before retiring from competitive volleyball.

After the two sides were level 2-2 after four sets, Gisagara – powered by brothers Flavien Ndamukunda and Patrick Kavalo Akumuntu – clinched the decisive fifth set 15-5 against a visibly exhausted REG side.

But, even with the win, Gisagara are fourth with 8 points, four behind leaders REG. Former champions APR and UTB are second and third, respectively, at 9 points.