Police VC middle blocker Placide Sibomana has said his side is determined to secure a top-four finish and book a place in the volleyball league playoffs. Police climbed to fourth place after sweeping East African University Rwanda (EAUR) on Saturday, February 14, leapfrogging rivals Rwanda Energy Group (REG) in the standings. ALSO READ: Police VC sweep EAUR, stay in playoff race However, their path to the playoffs remains uncertain with three matches left in the regular season. “We’re going to play as if it’s our last game,” the 34-year-old told Times Sport, adding, “We’re regrouping to return to where we belong.” “Changes affected us, starting with our captain’s injury, which cost us four games we weren’t expecting to lose. But luckily, our fight is not over.” ALSO READ: REG VC shock Gisagara VC to keep playoffs hopes alive Police still face a demanding run-in, with fixtures against APR VC, Kepler VC and Kigali Volleyball Club (KVC). REG, just one point behind, have two matches remaining — against APR VC and KVC — meaning every set and every point could prove decisive. “There is no room for error,” Sibomana stressed. “We must treat every match like a final.” The current situation marks a stark contrast to last season, when Police topped the regular-season standings. Although they eventually fell short in the finals against APR VC, the law enforcers were widely regarded as title contenders. This season, however, they find themselves battling simply to secure a playoff berth. Sibomana attributed the team’s struggles to major squad changes. Police lost six key players, including former captain Olivier Ntagengwa, Brazilian opposite hitter Matheus Bettin, setter Crispin Ntanteteri, middle blocker Emmy Twagirayezu and Sudanese player Achuil Nhial. “Losing players like that cost us a lot. It was difficult to rebuild chemistry, and that affected our performance early in the season. But as time goes on, the team is improving,” he explained. Police return to action on Friday, February 20, against APR VC — a side they have not beaten since their 2024/25 playoff clash.
