Volleyball in 2024: Mutabazi’s return, Kepler’s statement, regional success

2024, among other key things, saw newcomers Kepler Volleyball Club move towards establishing themselves among big clubs in Rwanda, finishing second in the league after losing the final to giants APR. The Kepler story stood out since the team was only competing in the league for the first time. Similarly, many notable things happened including the return of famous player Yves Mutabazi to competitive volleyball after almost quitting the sport. In this article, Times Sport highlights key developments in Rwandan volleyball in 2024. 1. Regional triumph for Rwandan clubs Rwandan volleyball clubs achieved impressive success on the regional stage in 2024. APR’s men’s and women’s volleyball teams won trophies at the Nyerere International Volleyball Tournament, held in October in Moshi, Tanzania. Organised by the Tanzania Amateur Volleyball Association (TAVA), the event takes place annually in honour of former Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere. It attracts teams from various East African countries, including Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania. Similarly, Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) women’s volleyball club and Rwanda Energy Group (REG) men’s volleyball club triumphed at the Kampala Amateur Volleyball Club (KAVC) International Tournament held in Uganda in August. In beach volleyball, Rwanda’s national teams had mixed performances at the All-African Games in March. The women’s team secured an impressive fourth-place finish, while the men’s team finished in a modest ninth position. 2. The rise of Kepler VC after only one year Kepler Volleyball Club, under the leadership of coach Fidèle Nyirimana, made remarkable progress in their first year, finishing second in the league, ahead of established teams. The club secured a spot in the 2023/24 playoffs by defeating Police Volleyball Club and ultimately finished as runners-up to APR VC. Amoni Nuwamanya, Media Officer of the Rwanda Volleyball Federation (FRVB), praised the club’s rapid rise, calling it a testament to the growing competitiveness and professionalism within the league. “Kepler has significantly raised the bar, making playoff outcomes harder to predict, though challenges such as limited infrastructure and the need for more sponsorship remain critical to advancing the sport further,” he said. Fans have also noted positive changes in the sport. Christiane Mukundwa, a volleyball enthusiast, appreciated improved communication through social media. “Now, it’s easier to follow team news, even if games are held far away,” she said. However, Mukundwa emphasized the need for better advertisement and branding to attract more fans and investors. 3. Yves Mutabazi’s come-back to the local league Star volleyball player Yves Mutabazi made a triumphant return to the local league by signing with Kepler Volleyball Club, signaling his return to top-flight volleyball after nearly 18 months away from professional play. The 29-year-old left attacker, known for his powerful serves, had been a key player for the national team in recent years. However, he took a break from the sport and spent a year and a half in the United States. Speaking to Times Sport about his decision, Mutabazi expressed his desire to return to the highest level of play and earn a spot back on the national team. “I was in a place [in the US] where I felt I wasn’t playing volleyball at the level I wanted. Yes, I was playing, but not at a competitive level. I’ve always wished to turn up and assist the national team, but the level at which I was playing didn’t allow that,” he said. Kepler also bolstered their ranks by recruiting other top players, including Wickliffe Dusenge from UAE’s Al-Nassr VC, to strengthen their squad further.

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Volleyball in 2024: Mutabazi’s return, Kepler’s statement, regional success