Gisagara volleyball club have fired Dominique Ntawangundi just five months into his role as the team’s head coach. The development was confirmed to Times Sport on Wednesday by Augustin Ntivuguruzwa, the club’s president. He also revealed that Elam Byiringiro, formerly assistant coach, has taken over in interim role until a new manager is appointed. It is understood that, among other reasons, the former UNIK head coach was sacked for his failure to beat league rivals University of Tourism, Technology and Business Studies (UTB) in their last three meetings, including Sunday’s defeat in the final of this year’s Heroes Cup. The Gisagara District-backed side lost to the varsity side three times in a spell of four weeks, including twice in the 2018/2019 National Volleyball League. Ntivuguruzwa told this publication in an exclusive interview, “We have decided to part company with Ntawangundi, amicably, due to the recent poor run of results in different competitions, especially in the league.” “The club will look for another coach in the coming days. Meanwhile, Elam (Byiringiro) is the caretaker until we find a suitable replacement.” Ntawangundi, who previously coached Kirehe in the league, was among the founding members of UNIK (formerly INATEK) volleyball club in 2009 and went on to guide them to two league titles during the 2015 & 2016 seasons, after dethroning former giants APR. He was signed by Gisagara in August last year on a two-year deal following the departure of former coach Fidele Nyirimana who had just crossed to rivals UTB. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
