The Mamba Beach volleyball tournament 2024 commenced Friday, December 20, with thrilling action from Rwanda’s top players across two venues in Kigali.
Organized and co-hosted by Mamba Volleyball Club, the three-day competition, which runs until Sunday, December 22, features seasoned players in the local topflight volleyball league.
The tournament started with intense competition across both locations—Mamba Club in Kimihurura and Green Park in Gahanga—with entertaining matches in men, women and veterans’ categories.
At Green Park in Gahanga, Cedrick Munezero and Jean d’Amour Gisa overpowered Merci Gisubizo and Gloire Niyonkuru in a tight match, winning the game in two straight sets (21-15, 23-21).
Emmanuel Mugisha and Fred Muvunyi followed with a 2-0 (21-17, 21-16) victory against Revis Niyikiza and Mandela Nzirimo.
In what one may rate as the game of the day, Niyikiza and Nzirimo came from a set down to beat Gisubizo and Niyonkuru 2-1 (21-8, 16-21, 19-17) in a gripping showdown.
Meanwhile, at Mamba Club in Kimihurura, the women’s category delivered its share of action. Valentine Munezero and Benitha Mukandayisenga proved dominant, defeating Jennifer Tembo and Sandra Ayepoe 2-0 (21-8, 21-16). They also recorded yet another win in their second game against Catherine and Judith Hakizimana (21-18, 21-11).
Sharon Amito and Penelope Musabyimana also showcased stellar performances as they edged Catherine and Judith Hakizimana in two sets (25-23, 21-12) before defeating Tembo Jennifer and Sandra Ayepoe 2-0 (21-15, 21-17).
Mamba Club also hosted men’s matches where Olivier Ntagengwa and Patrick Kavalo Akumuntu triumphed over Fils Habanzintwali and Thierry Mugabo in two sets (21-17, 21-17). Habanzintwali and Mugabo had a day to forget when Prince Kanamugire and Paul Akan inflicted another defeat on them (14-21, 16-21).
The tournament continues Saturday, December 21, with Prince Kanamugire and Paul Akan taking on Olivier Ntagengwa and Patrick Kavalo at Mamba Club in Kimihurura.
Simultaneously, action continues at Green Park in Gahanga as Emmanuel Mugisha and Fred Muvunyi take on Jean d’Amour Gisa and Cedrick Munezero.