The second week of the 2025/26 Rwanda Volleyball National League (RVNL) delivered thrilling action and surprising outcomes. While top men’s teams cruised past their opponents with straight-set victories, the women’s league witnessed a major upset as Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) fell 3-0 to their long-time rivals, Police WVC, a result few saw coming. The weekend also provided a platform for young players to step into the spotlight, showcasing their potential while several senior stars were rested. In this article, Times Sport brings you some of the key talking points from the weekend: Police WVC’s Zulfath Teta shines On Friday, shortly after Kepler WVC faced East African University Rwanda (EAUR) in the second-round opener, Police WVC unveiled their starting lineup without their first-choice setter, Iris Ndagijimana, who was rested by coach Christian Hatuminana. Her replacement, Zulfath Teta, seized the opportunity with confidence. In what was her first full match of the season against none other than powerhouse RRA WVC, Teta delivered a standout performance. Her precise ball distribution, calm composure, and smooth connection with attackers helped Police secure a commanding 3-0 victory. A number of fans watching her play that night would have little hesitation calling her the best performer in the women’s category for week two. ALSO READ: REG dominate EAUR to claim first win of season Gisagara VC back in top-three conversation After struggling to break into the top three last season, finishing fifth overall, Gisagara VC appears determined to rewrite the narrative this time. Under head coach Laurence Yakan Guma, the south-based club began the season strongly by avenging last year’s loss to EAUR, before maintaining momentum in week two against the energetic Kepler VC, who had earlier stunned REG VC. Gisagara overcame Kepler 3-1 (25-22, 25-22, 17-25, 25-20) in an intense contest that showcased their growing consistency. The victory lifted Gisagara to third place with 5 points, trailing Police VC and Kepler VC, both tied at 6 points. ALSO READ: Gisagara beat Kepler as league's second week begins REG VC, APR VC, and Kepler WVC record their first wins After a slow start to the season, both REG VC and APR VC bounced back in style during week two. REG, who had stumbled against Kepler in the opening round, regained momentum by sweeping EAUR in straight sets. APR VC, on their part, registered their first win of the campaign after overcoming Kigali Volleyball Club (KVC). In the women’s category, Kepler WVC also earned their first victory, bouncing back from a tough debut loss to APR. They convincingly defeated EAUR WVC in under 40 minutes, a match that highlighted their improved coordination and confidence, especially among the team’s new recruits. Rising stars make their mark Week two was not just about big names, as it also showcased a new generation of volleyball talent ready to rise. Among them were Thierry Munyinya (Kirehe VC), Julius Jabo (Kepler VC), and Patrick Ishimwe (Police VC) , all right attackers who made good use of their opportunities. Munyinya, fresh from representing Rwanda’s U-20 national team at the African Championship in September, impressed with his powerful spikes and energy on court, despite Kirehe’s loss to Kepler. On the other side, Jabo was a standout performer for Kepler, posting key points throughout the match, a promising sign that he could one day fill the shoes of star attacker Wicklif Dusenge. Meanwhile, Ishimwe continued to draw attention with another lively display in Police VC’s dominant win over RP-Ngoma, a university side still searching for its first league victory.
