University of Tourism, Technology and Business Studies (UTB) men’s volleyball club have said that they are optimistic about retaining their title at the 11th Emmanuel Kayumba memorial volleyball tournament come March 7-8.

The annual tournament, organised by Indatwa n’Inkesha School (formerly Groupe Scolaire Officiel de Butare) since 2010, is aimed at paying tribute to late Father Emmanuel Kayumba who was the school’s headmaster until his passing in 2009.

Kayumba was instrumental in nurturing and promoting volleyball talents at Indatwa n’Inkesha, a school that has, over the years, produced some of the country’s best players.

Speaking to Times Sport in an interview, UTB head coach Fidele Nyirimana said that his side are targeting the title again after beating Gisagara in straight (3-0) sets to clinch last year’s silverware.

"I have spoken with my players about the tournament, and I was very clear. We have to give it everything for the title defence,” said Nyirimana.

So far into the 2019/2020 campaign, UTB have won titles every competition they competed in; starting with the preseason tournament and Gisaka Open before recapturing the 2020 Heroes Cup earlier this month.

"We set big goals for ourselves this season, and we are achieving them one at a time. Now the challenge at hand is to retain the Kayumba Memorial, and (like always) I trust my players for the task,” added the former Rwanda international, who, during his playing career, was a libero.

According to Charles Hakizimana, the head teacher at Indatwa n’Inkesha, this year’s event will also include beach volleyball and a swimming competition.

UTB were also winners in the women’s category last year after ousting RRA in a four (3-1) sets in the final.