Volleyball: Where did Kepler VC fall short in the playoffs?

Kepler VC’s hopes of winning a volleyball league championship ended over the weekend after they were eliminated from the semifinals by APR, the same side that beat them in last season’s finals to lift the championship. Reaching the finals during the 2023/24 season made the club management, coach Fidele Nyirimana and the players dream bigger prior to the new season as they vowed to move a step forward to win the title in their second season in the league. However, APR again stepped into their way and instead pulled them a step back by knocking them out of the semifinals after winning two games in the best of three series. Overall, Kepler VC finished the regular season in third place out of eight teams, with 27 points, winning 9 and losing five out of 14 games played. In short, the team has clearly regressed compared to last year. But where did they fall short? New players were underperforming This season, Kepler VC added new players to complement the regulars, bringing in Pacifique Iradukunda from Police VC, Cuban Anier Diaz Herera, and Ugandan passer Marino Oboke, who was expected to support Ivan Mahoro in the playoffs. But their performance didn’t meet what the club expected from them. Diaz Herera, for instance, struggled to adapt on his debut season. He failed the make an impact at the team due to limited playing time. Additionally, one can rate the performance of youngster Leon Fidele Mugisha Ruzindana, who joined after completing secondary school, as developmental. ALSO READ: Police join APR teams into finals Lack of strong bench depth Kepler VC's depth in squad lacked balance, with a noticeable drop in quality between starters and substitutes. Except for the libero positions, covered by Bernard Masabo and Yvan Bagabe, and the central positions, occupied by John Nkurunziza and Jean Baptiste Tuyizere, other positions lacked significant backups. For example, Wicklif Dusenge didn’t have a player who could challenge him on the bench as the likes of Romeo Ngabo Rwamuhizi and Pacifique Iradukunda struggled too to step into his shoes. Dusenge often played despite arm injuries due to the lack of alternative substitutions. This lack of depth significantly weakened the team when key players underperformed or were injured. Mutabazi’s absence was hugely felt Early in the season, star opposite attacker Yves Mutabazi faced health issues, forcing him out of action for the majority of the season. He missed several games in the regular season, and nor was he used in the playoff. Had Mutabazi been healthy, Kepler could have been among potential title contenders. However, his absence was a big blow to the team. His services were missed and none among the team was a bigger threat to the opposing teams than he would be, whenever he was fit. Coach Nyirimana introduced Rwamuhizi and Iradukunda, and even added Cuban Anier Diaz Herera, but none of them could match Mutabazi in his prime. Fatigue among starting players The lack of capable substitutes forced starting players to play extended minutes, leading to fatigue. Wicklif Dusenge, for example, played on arm injuries throughout the season due to the absence of a suitable replacement. Rwamuhizi and Iradukunda were also overwhelmed by a burden of so many games in their hands. The lack of competition for starting positions may also have reduced player motivation. ALSO READ: Kepler, Police clinch Heroes Cup tourney Losing players gradually Kepler VC lost key players, including opposite hitters Mangom Maguong and Idd Alhassan Imoro and their replacements failed to fill the gaps, which led to Dusenge taking over as receiving attacker. This left a gap in the receiving attackers, as Captain Neeke David Evaritse is still sidelined through injury. Kepler VC were seeing hitter Iradukunda, who joined from Police VC at the start of the season, as a potential solution but he was unable to fill the gap as he should have.

Sports

Volleyball: Where did Kepler VC fall short in the playoffs?