AS the annual Genocide Memorial volleyball tournament gets underway this morning, APR’s star player Lawrence Yakan has his eyes set on a record seventh straight title.

The player’s experience, artistry and great strength in attack were crucial in the team’s 3-1 final victory over National University of Rwanda (NUR) last year.

And while the club lost three key players in Pierre Marshal Kwizera, Flavien Ndamukunda and Leo Fidel Mutesi during the transfer window, head coach Sammy Mulinge remains adamant about his side’s chances.

"We have prepared well and will give everything to try and win the competition,” the Kenyan said.

On top of Kigali Volleyball Club (KVC), Christ Roi, Lycee de Nyanza and St Joseph Kabgayi; KAVC, Sport-s, Kampala City Council (KCC), Nemo Stars, from Uganda, Congo Brazzaville’s DGSP, Rukinzo, Muzinga and Amical Sportif from Burundi and Kenya’s Ruiru are some of the other men’s teams in contention.

In the women category, defending champions APR have scores to settle against Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA). The army side lifted the Genocide memorial trophy only to lose the league title to the tax collectors.

Last month, RRA under new coach Jean Luc Ndayikengurukiye, featured in the 24th edition of the Africa women club championship in Nairobi, Kenya where they finished 8th out of 16 teams.

The team’s hunt is spearheaded by Dorcus Ndasaba, Ida Alexandra Humuza and Regina Izabayo.

Another notable team in the ladies’ fray is Nkumba University. Under their inspirational captain Mary Achieng, the Ugandan side finished third last year.

At the end of the two-day event, the winners will pocket Rwf500, 000.

Ends