Setter Crispin Ntanteteri has vowed to win his first national league title after Rwanda Energy Group (REG) Volleyball Club made a strong start to the 2025/26 volleyball playoffs, defeating Kepler VC in their opening match of the best-of-five series.

The playoffs, which got underway last weekend, are already producing surprises, with some top-ranked teams struggling in their opening games.

ALSO READ: REG edge Kepler in Game 1 tie-break battle

Among them, Gisagara VC, who topped the regular season standings, suffered a shock four-set defeat to Police VC. Kepler VC, who finished second, also stumbled after losing to REG.

Ntanteteri, 24, joined REG at the start of the season from Police VC and has been instrumental in the team’s recent performances. Despite the intensity of the playoffs, he remains focused on one goal—winning the title.

"My teammates and I are taking it step by step toward this year’s trophy. I missed this opportunity last season with Police VC, and I believe this is another chance to achieve that goal,” he Times Sport.

REG head into the playoffs on the back of improved form after an inconsistent second phase of the regular season, during which they lost four of their 16 matches. However, they regained momentum with a convincing 3–1 victory over APR VC (19–25, 25–18, 25–23, 25–20), boosting confidence ahead of the postseason.

With no time to rest, playoff action resumes on Tuesday, March 16, with all matches scheduled at Petit Stade.

ALSO READ: Supporters rescue Gisagara VC as financial struggles threaten playoffs

Fixtures — Tuesday, March 16

Women

APR WVC vs Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) — 11:30 am

Kepler WVC vs Police WVC — 2 pm

Men

Gisagara VC vs Police VC — 4:30 pm

Kepler VC vs REG VC — 7 pm