Rwanda’s volleyball federation, FRVB is looking for a new sponsor for the national volleyball league after Coca-Cola’s decision not to renew their sponsorship deal.

The soft-drink who have been bankrolling the league to a tune of Frw 10m over the last two years pulled out opting to fund schools’ volleyball competitions.

"This year, Coca-cola will concentrate on school competitions so we are now looking for a new sponsor for the league,” the federation’s executive secretary Gertrude Kubwimana said.

The league throws off this Saturday and a few changes have been made in the schedule.

The league will have eight stages but unlike last year, each stage will be held on the first two Saturdays of a month.

According to Kubwimana, preliminary action will be held on the first Saturday while classification games, semi-finals and the final will be held on the second Saturday.

"This year, we have made a few changes in the format of play,” she said.

Ten female teams and 14 male teams are in contention this year.

However, notable absentees this year include Umubano Blue Tigers (UBT) and APEDI Rwaza; last year’s runner –up in the ladies’ fray.

Kubwimana confirmed their omission but declined to give reasons for their exclusion although there are reports that APEDI Rwaza’s new administration could be the reason behind their exclusion. 

The Ministry of Sports and Culture (Minispoc) has bankrolled the league with Frw 26m.

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