Sunday

Final

REG 2-0 UTB

Former national team centre blocker Pierre Marshal Kwizera has heaped praise on his teammate and national team captain Christophe Mukunzi after the pair won the first circuit of the first ever domestic beach volleyball league.

The game was held at Amahoro Stadium outdoor grounds.

Mukunzi and Kwizera, who were representing REG, beat their UTB opponents Patrick Ruzindana and Emmanuel Mugisha 2-0 sets – 21-16 and 21-18, respectively – in the final game on Sunday afternoon. 

"We are happy to win the event because most people did not give us a chance; I am happy for Mukunzi who played beach volleyball for the first time and won it. We will keep working hard because it is a league, we must keep the same spirit,” Kwizera, the captain of the two-player team, said.

In the semi-finals, Mukunzi and Kwizera booked a ticket to play the final after beating tough opponents in APR’s Venuste Gatsinzi and Fils Habanzintwari 2-1 –18-2, 21-17 and 17-15, respectively.

"It was a long journey but we managed to do the job well, we had strong service, blocks and attacks.

"I am very excited about Mukunzi and he’s a good partner in the game because he’s a professional player,” he added.

The duo won the event after winning three games – against APR, UTB and Gisagara.

UTB’s Patrick Ruzindana and Emmanuel Mugisha progressed to the final game after defeating favourite Patrick Kavalo Akumuntu from Gisagara 2-1 (21-15, 19-21 and 29-27).

In other matches, Yvan Dukundane and Patrick Kavalo Akumuntu, from Gisagara, finished in third place after beating Venuste Gatsinzi and Fils Habanzintwari 2-1 (21-18, 17-21 and 17-15).

 Meanwhile, Flavien Ndamukunda and Olivier Ntagengwa, of REG, did not play in the event after failing to show up.

The second circuit is due December 23-24.

This competition is being used to prepare players who will represent the country at the 2019 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour.

The tournament will be staged in Rubavu District in August 2019.

Ranking

Teams                                                    Points

Mukunzi/Marchal                               320

P. Ruzindana/E. Mugisha                300

P. Kavalo/Y. Dukundane                  280

V. Gatsinzi/F. Habanzintwari          260

Mugabo/Yves                                    240

Gakire/Iradukunda                            220

Ballack Rugira/Dieu Est La               200

F. Ndamukunda/O. Ntagengwa         0

editorial@newtimes.co.rw