Police handball club have vowed to retain the beach handball title as the tournament returns for the first time since 2019. The showpiece is due October 9-10 at the shores of Lake Kivu, in Rubavu District.

The 2020 edition was skipped due to Covid-19 restrictions for mass gatherings.

At least 16 teams have registered to take part in this year’s competition, including local giants Police who are the reigning league champions and holders of the beach handball title.

"We want to start of the season strongly, so we must retain the beach handball title,” Police head coach Antoine Ntabanganyimana warned rivals in an interview with Weekend Sport.

"My players are in good shape but most of all, very determined to see that we achieve our target.”

The law enforcers’ side will begin their campaign against Nyakabanda before facing UR-Nyarugenge, UR-Rusizi and UR-Nyagatare, in that order.

"We want to win all the games, and we have what it takes to accomplish the mission,” added Ntabanganyimana.

Police clinched the 2019 title in men’s category after beating ES Kigoma, while, in the women’s fray, Kiziguro edged University of Rwanda–Remera Campus in the final.

Men

Pool A: Police, UR-Nyarugenge, UR-Nyagatare, UR-Rusizi and Nyakabanda

Pool B: UR-Gikondo, UR-Remera, UR-Huye, UR-Rukara and UR-Rwamagana

Women

Pool A: UR-Remera, UR-Rukara and UR-Gikondo

Pool B: UR-Huye, UR-Nyarugenge and UR-Rwamagana