Four Rwandan clubs will be aiming to make the most of home advantage when the 2026 CAVB Men’s Club Championship gets underway in Kigali from April 22 to May 3. The tournament will feature 30 teams from 17 countries across Africa, with Rwanda boasting the largest representation through APR VC, Kepler VC, Rwanda Energy Group (REG) VC, and Police VC. ALSO READ: What to know as Kigali hosts Africa club volleyball championship Rwanda’s best performance in the competition came in 2022, when Gisagara VC secured a historic bronze medal in Tunisia. This time, the hosts will be targeting an even stronger showing, with hopes of keeping the trophy on home soil. Times Sport takes a look at how these clubs are prepared for the continental showdown. APR VC APR VC, one of Rwanda’s most experienced sides on the continental stage, returns after finishing fourth in the previous edition. Expectations remain high for the army side despite missing out on the domestic title. The team will be without Kenyan outside hitter Dennis Ireke, who is set to feature for Kenya Port Authority (KPA). However, APR have reinforced their squad with the additions of Ronald Muvara, Willy Mucyo, and Steven Ntigurirwa. “We’re confident in our preparation. For me, this is a year of redemption after missing last season. With players like Prince Kaganamugire and setter Paul Akan, we believe we can compete,” said Yves Mutabazi, who previously featured in the competition with Gisagara VC. ALSO READ: REG land wild card for CAVB Champions League REG VC REG VC return to the continental stage after securing a wildcard spot, having last appeared in 2023 following their 2022/23 league triumph. While the team has not made major additions, setter Crispin Ntanteteri sees the tournament as an opportunity to gauge their level and rebuild momentum. “This is a great chance for us to test ourselves. We also want to reclaim the national league title after two seasons without reaching the finals. Our goal is to compete strongly and keep improving,” he said. REG will be targeting at least a place in the quarter-finals. Kepler VC Kepler VC will be making their second consecutive appearance at the tournament. The team has strengthened key areas, particularly in attack, with the arrival of Puerto Rican player Jair Santiago and outside hitter Krid Mohammed Radhi. They are also boosted by the return of Romeo Ngabo Rwamuhizi from injury, giving the squad more balance compared to last season. Kepler finished 16th out of 24 teams in their debut appearance in Nigeria, and under coach Jean Patrick Ndaki, they will be aiming for a significant improvement this time around. ALSO READ: CAVB cuts classification matches in revamped Champions League format Police VC Police VC will be making their debut in the competition under coach Fred Musoni. Founded in 2023, the club has risen rapidly, winning the 2024/25 national league title and currently standing on the brink of another, leading REG 2–0 in the ongoing finals series. Police will rely on key players including Matheus Bettim, setter Brian Melly, opposite attacker Elphas Makuto, and Ugandan hitter Gideon Angiro. Young prospect Patrick Niyonkuru is also expected to seize the opportunity to shine on the continental stage.
