Gisagara fans have stepped up financially to back their team’s quest for another league title, two years after their 2023 triumph, as attention turns to a decisive playoff opener against Police VC this Saturday at Petit Stade.

Earlier, when the Rwanda Volleyball Federation (FRVB) released the playoffs calendar, which will be played in a best-of-five format, the Southern Province-based club raised concerns over the financial burden that could have put their participation at risk.

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In an exclusive interview with Times Sport, the club’s Secretary General, Edmond Gatera, said the team decided to approach the challenge by engaging their supporters, who responded positively and made it possible for the club to compete.

"We met with our supporters to see whether they could contribute, and from their response, we are now in a good position to compete,” he said.

Accommodation was another challenge, with the club considering it impractical to travel twice a week from Huye District to Kigali for playoff matches. In response, one of the team’s supporters offered free accommodation at Tuza Inn Hotel in Bugesera District.

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According to the playoffs format, Gisagara VC, who finished the regular season at the top of the standings with 34 points, will face Police VC, who secured the fourth playoff spot and were last season’s runners-up.

Playoffs schedule on Saturday

Women

APR WVC vs Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) – 12:30pm

Kepler WVC vs Police WVC – 3pm

Men

Gisagara VC vs Police VC – 5:30 pm

Kepler VC vs Rwanda Energy Group (REG) – 8pm