"One step back, two steps forward” best describes Gisagara VC’s journey back to the summit of Rwandan volleyball after two difficult seasons.

Nicknamed "The Villagers,” the Southern Province-based side has rediscovered its identity this season, showing renewed consistency and flashes of dominance that have reignited belief among fans that a title challenge is once again on the cards.

However, head coach Yakan Guma is keeping expectations in check, insisting the club’s revival must be handled with patience.

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"For now, I can’t say that we are going to be champions, but we will fight every team that comes our way. My first objective is to enter the playoffs,” Guma told Times Sport.

Gisagara currently sit top of the league table after the opening rounds, ahead of traditional powerhouses APR VC and Police VC, who have dominated domestic volleyball over the past two seasons.

Their resurgence has largely been attributed to the return of experienced setter Sylvestre Ndayisaba and middle blocker Ronald Muvara, both of whom rejoined the club after stints with Rwanda Energy Group (REG).

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The current squad is markedly different from the teams of the previous two campaigns, during which Gisagara failed to reach the playoffs. That decline followed the withdrawal of sponsorship from HQ Power Yumn Ltd, a setback that severely affected the club’s competitiveness.

With the company now back on board under a reported Rwf 80 million-per-season sponsorship deal, Gisagara appear well positioned to reclaim their place at the top of Rwandan volleyball. The club last lifted the league title in 2023.

The financial stability has translated into results on the court where the club has lost just once in their last 11 matches in Phase Two of the league, a run that firmly places them among the title contenders.

Nevertheless, the battle remains intense, with APR VC, Kepler VC, and Police VC all keeping the pressure on.

"The playoffs will be a new challenge altogether,” Guma noted, reiterating his cautious optimism.

Academy bearing fruit

Beyond key senior players such as opposite attacker Samuel Niyogisubizo and middle blocker Djibril Adam Doudou, Guma credits the club’s youth system as a major driver of the revival.

Gisagara Academy, champions of the 2024/25 Junior National League, has produced promising talents including second libero Servet Simbo and youngster Willy Rukundo, both of whom are already contributing at senior level.

Guma has also injected fresh tactical ideas following a short-term coaching stint with Viore Nagoya Women VC in Japan, where he was exposed to advanced volleyball training methods.

Eyes on the playoffs first

With just three rounds remaining before the end of the regular season, Gisagara’s focus is on maintaining momentum and squad balance. New signing Venuste Gatsinzi, an opposite attacker, is still recovering from a knee injury and is unlikely to be fully fit until the playoffs, scheduled to begin on March 12.

"He is not yet in good shape, but we expect him to be fully ready by the playoffs,” Guma said.

Gisagara VC return to league action on Friday, February 6, when they face Kepler VC in a key fixture that could further shape the title race.