AFTER he was released by Rwanda Energy Group Volleyball Club left–attacker Barack Rugira has joined Kirehe Volleyball Club, signing a three-year deal.

The 24-year-old played for REG last season while he had previously played for APR (2014-2015).

According to the new head coach of Kirehe, Dominique Ntawangundi, the former U20 junior team’s player is expected to inspire younger players at the club.

The volleyball national league returns on January 13, 2018.

"Rugira is an experienced player who will help us. He played in different senior teams, he will help the club to achieve a lot in the future,” said Ntawangundi.

He added: "I don’t know if we will sign other players but I will know everything about this come January when we start full training, for now we are fine with what we have.”

Last year, under Fidele Nyirimana, Kirehe won two trophies, including Kayumba Memorial Tournament and Carre d’AS. They also reached the final KAVC Memorial Tournament in Kampala, losing to compatriots APR.

The club have recently lost some of their key players including Richard Muhirwa, who went for further studies (Master’s degree) in China, as well as Fred Muvunyi and Sylveste Ndayisaba, who signed for local league rivals University of Tourism, Technology and Business Studies (UTB) and Rwanda Energy Group (REG), respectively.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw