Police VC and Rwanda Energy Group (REG) VC have secured their places in the finals of the men’s national volleyball league after eliminating Gisagara VC and Kepler VC respectively.
Police VC advanced following a dramatic five-set victory over Gisagara VC in Game 3, while REG confirmed their spot by defeating Kepler in the semifinals. Both decisive matches were played at Petit Stade on Saturday, March 21.
Gisagara's shock exit
It was not the playoff campaign Gisagara fans had hoped for.
After an outstanding regular season in which they finished top of the table, Gisagara entered the playoffs with high expectations. However, they suffered a shocking semifinal exit at the hands of a Police VC side that had nearly missed out on the playoffs altogether.
Gisagara were swept 3-0 in the best-of-five series, failing to win a single match.
The final game was particularly heartbreaking. Gisagara started strongly, winning the first two sets (25-20, 25-18), with Samuel Niyogisubizo delivering an impressive performance. They looked on course to extend the series.
However, Police mounted a remarkable comeback.
Coach Fred Musoni made a key tactical adjustment in the third set, introducing middle blocker Placide Sibomana to contain Niyogisubizo’s attacking threat. The move proved decisive, as Police took the third and fourth sets 25-22, 25-22 to force a tie-break.
The deciding set was tense, marked by complaints from both sides over refereeing decisions. In the end, opposite hitter Elphas Makuto stepped up with crucial points to secure a 16-14 victory and send Police VC into the finals.
"In one word, we are happy for this win — the technical staff and the players. Even though the match went to a tie-break, we kept believing until the referee’s final whistle,” said coach Musoni.
REG's fairytale continues
In the other semifinal, REG VC also booked their place in the finals with a strong performance against Kepler VC.
After dropping the opening set 16-25, REG responded well to win the next three sets 25-22, 25-22, 25-13 and seal the match.
The result sets up a highly anticipated finals clash between Police VC and REG VC, while Kepler VC will face Gisagara VC in the third-place playoff.
APR WVC through, Police WVC lead series
In the women’s competition, APR WVC became the first team to reach the finals after defeating Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) in straight sets (25-22, 25-23, 25-21).
Defending champions Police WVC moved closer to joining them after beating Kepler WVC in straight sets (25-17, 25-22, 31-29), taking a 2-1 lead in their best-of-five semifinal series.
The series will continue Wednesday, March 25, at Petit Stade, with the winner set to face APR WVC in the finals.