University of Tourism Technology and Business Studies (UTB) volleyball club last week started preparations ahead of the start of the 2018 national league, which will kick off in four weeks.

UTB have never won the league title, but head coach Sylvester Mbanza and the club management have vowed to bring an end to the long drought.

"We gave the players a holiday to enjoy with their families but now that the festive season is over, we have started preparations in order to give ourselves a chance to compete for the title,” UTB head coach told Times Sport yesterday.

Last year, UTB finished in seventh position.

"We want to improve our game and try to win the title. We are trying to build the team and add other players that can help us win the title,” Mbaza added.

UTB signed right centre players Flely Muyuku (IPRC South), William Muhahemuka (Gisagara), left attacker Fred Rufu Mutabazi from Kirehe, setter Jean Paul Sibomana from IPRC South and Gisagara left attacker Patrick Kavalo Akimana.

They will join other players who signed last season, including centre John Nkurunziza, Patrick Ruzindana, Guillaume Irakarama, Gideon Mutabazi, Emmanuel Mugisha, Claude Niyibizi and libero Claude Nshimiyimana and Jules Niyibizi.

Gisagara and Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) are the defending champions in the men and women leagues. Both UNIK and RRA will represent Rwanda at the 2018 Africa Club Championships.

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