The East African University Rwanda (EAUR) men’s volleyball team has emerged as a formidable force in the 2024/25 national volleyball league. Once underdogs, the team has climbed to an 4th position in the standings, trailing only Police Volleyball Club (PVC), Rwanda Energy Group (REG), and defending champions APR.
The club, coached by Vincent Dusabimana, is enjoying a remarkable rise from finishing 7th in the previous season to challenging the title this season.
Out of seven games played so far, EAUR won four, including notable wins against two of Rwandan heavyweights APR and Gisagara Volleyball Club (GVC).
However, they fell short before undefeated Police Volleyball club who won the game in three straight sets 25-19, 25-16, 25-16 to finish the first phase of the campaign at the top.
EAUR’s success this season stems from its strategic leadership and institutional backing. Head coach Vincent Dusabimana attributes the team’s performance to a supportive administration that understands the needs of a sports team.
"To build a great team, you need a solid foundation, which includes supportive leadership. At EAUR, we are fortunate to have a president who truly understands the dynamics of sports,” Dusabimana told Times Sport.
Current club president Dr. Callixte Kabera has played a pivotal role in fostering EAUR’s growth. Kabera has experience in leading successful volleyball teams, including former club University of Tourism, Technology, and Business Studies (UTB).
His support ensures that the team is equipped to compete against seasoned rivals.
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Meanwhile, Dusabimana brings a wealth of experience to EAUR. The former captain of Rwanda Energy Group (REG) captain represented Rwanda at international level over the course of 12 years and, at club level, he boasts an impressive 30 league trophies under his belt.
His philosophy of resilience and respect has been instrumental in shaping the team’s competitive edge.
"In volleyball, every team deserves respect. But on the court, the goal is to outdo your opponent, regardless of their reputation,” Dusabimana remarked.
Reflecting on the team’s challenges from last season, Dusabimana noted that overcoming the limitations of being a university-based team was crucial.
"Last season, we faced hurdles, but this year we’ve rebuilt with a renewed focus. We’re determined to prove we belong among the best,” he added.
Unlike many teams that rely heavily on foreign players, EAUR has prioritized nurturing local talent. Dusabimana emphasized that while foreign players could enhance the team, the focus remains on providing young Rwandans opportunities to excel both academically and athletically.
"We could bring in foreign players, but my priority is to develop local talent. These young athletes deserve a chance to grow in sports and education,” he said.
On his side, team captain Cedrick Ntivuguruzwa highlighted the changes that have fueled the team’s progress.
"We’ve increased our daily training sessions and introduced individual benefits for players, and this has motivated us to push beyond our limits,” Ntivuguruzwa explained.
He also noted the impact of new recruits including left attacker Felex Niyomugabo and libero Ferdinand Nikwigize, who have strengthened the squad. Despite the presence of only one foreign player, Ntivuguruzwa remains confident in the team’s capabilities.
"As a university-powered team, we focus on believing in ourselves. While we could include more foreign players, we are content with our current roster and confident in our abilities,” he added.
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Dusabimana, who also serves as the Human Resources Manager at Radio/TV10, emphasizes the importance of education for his players. He views sports as a gateway to broader opportunities but stresses that education is key to unlocking long-term success.
"Sports can open doors, but education ensures you’re ready to walk through them. I always remind my players that being an athlete is just one part of their journey,” he said.