Volleyball league newcomers, Rwanda Energy Group (REG) have started intensive training ahead of the 2016/17 season which is scheduled to start on December 17. Established in 2016, REG will be looking to challenge to finish in a good position in their debut, according to the head coach, Robert Ndabikunze. “We want to be well prepared for our debut appearance in the national league, the first time is always tough but the plan is to use the first season to learn more about other teams,” said Ndabikunze. Rwanda Energy Group along with University of Tourism Technology and Business Studies (UTB) and Gisagara VC were approved by the Rwanda Volleyball Federation last month to compete in the men’s national league. REG have signed several players among them; Fabrice Bahizi from APR, Barrack Rugira from Kirehe, Mark Rukebesha, Peter Bigirimana, Eugene Tuyishime (all from UNIK), and Herve Kagimbura from Rayon Sports among others. The men’s league is expected to kick off on December 17 while the women league will start on January 21, 2017. University of Kibungo (UNIK) won the league for the second consecutive season this year, while RRA are the defending champions in the women’s league. Both UNIK and RRA will represent Rwanda at the 2017 Africa Club Championships. editorial@newtimes.co.rw