Financial constraints have forced Kirehe Volleyball Club (men) to withdraw from this year’s Gisagara Volleyball Tournament, a preseason competition which will be hosted by the Gisagara Volleyball Club from Saturday, December 4 to December 5. The decision was taken due to financial constraints related to the failure to get sponsors who would finance their participation in the tournament. Times Sport understands that the team is struggling financially, and last weekend during the Taxpayers’ tournament, they failed to raise 14 jerseys needed for their squad of 14 players that were participating. This made them play without making substitutions, since the players on the bench did not have jerseys. A source in the team told this newspaper that they are even struggling with paying players and coaches. Kirehe’s failure to participate means that 11 teams will participate in the tournament. This will be the fourth edition of the annual competition, which Gisagara Volleyball Club organises in partnership with Gisagara district. Group games and the semi-finals will be played on Saturday, while the third-place playoffs and the finals are due on Sunday. All games will be played in Gisagara Gymnasium, in Southern Province. On top of the trophy, the winner will also take home Rwf200,000 in cash prize, with the first and second runner-up teams receiving Rwf100,000 and Rwf50,000, respectively. Meanwhile, the league kicks off on December 10. Men’s teams IPRC-Ngoma, Kigali Volleyball Club, Gisagara, APR, United Volleyball Club and Rwanda Energy Group. Women’s teams Rwanda Revenue Authority, Kigali Volleyball Club, Ruhango, United Volleyball Club and IPRC-Huye.
