DEFENDING champions APR kick-start their campaign for a third consecutive volleyball league title today with a trip to St. Joseph Kabgayi in Muhanga.

Jean Luc Ndayikengurukiye and his team are seeded in Pool A alongside debutants Umutara Polytechnic, St. Joseph Kabgayi and Kigali Institute of Education (KIE).

After a remarkable campaign last year which saw the army side win a treble of titles, APR is widely tipped to progress to the semi-finals that are scheduled for next Saturday.

Ahead of the trip, Ndayikengurukiye, who is also an ex-APR and national team skipper, was oozing with confidence about the team’s chances.

"We are ready for the league. We will do what we do best,” he remarked.

In Pool B, Kigali Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) hope to make the most of their home support when they face fallen giants Kigali Volleyball Club (KVC), Ruhengeri’s ISAE and debutants Inyemeramihigo.

2006 champions National University of Rwanda (UNR) should also progress to the last four after being seeded with home side Petit Seminaire de Karubanda and Unatek in Pool C.

Pool D pits CXR, Lycée de Nyanza and GSOB. The top side in each pool qualifies for the semi-finals while the other sides play classification games.

This year, 10 female and 14 male clubs are in contention.

Ends