APR VC made a dominant start to the 2026 CAVB Men’s Club Championship, sweeping Zimbabwe’s Black Rhinos in straight sets (25–18, 25–10, 25–11) at BK Arena on Wednesday. The Rwandan champions delivered an assured performance in a match attended by President Paul Kagame. ALSO READ: Clubs that could shake up Africa’s Volleyball Championship APR asserted control early in the opening set, with captain Prince Kanamugire leading from the front alongside outside hitter Samuel Niyonkuru, who sealed the set at 25–18. In the second set, head coach Sammy Mulinge rotated his squad, introducing youngster Willy Mucyo into the lineup. The refreshed side—featuring Ronald Muvara, Yves Mutabazi on the left, and James Nhial Achille on the right—maintained defensive solidity and attacking intensity to cruise to a 25–10 win. Black Rhinos struggled to find a response as APR kept up the pressure, comfortably closing out the match with a 25–11 victory in the third set. ALSO READ: CAVB trims clubs, increases substitutions ahead of Kigali showdown Speaking after the game, Mulinge said the opening win was key to easing pressure on his players. “Once you play your first game, you relieve the pressure. This competition is about making the right decisions, and we’re happy with the win. Going into the next match, the players will be more relaxed,” he said. The championship continues on Thursday, April 23, with matches scheduled at BK Arena and Petit Stade. Day 2 Fixtures (Thursday, April 23) Group A Petrojet Sporting Club vs Nemostars (10am) – BK Arena Nigeria Customs Service vs Litto Team Volleyball (8pm) – Petit Stade Group B Equity Bank Vs Sport-S (12pm) – Petit Stade Kepler VC Vs AS INJS (6pm) – Petit Stade Cameroon Sports Volleyball Vs Al Ahly (8pm) – BK Arena Group C Prisons VC Vs Police VC (2pm) – BK Arena Wolaitta Sports Club Vs Ghana Army (4pm) – Petit Stade Faith Union Sports Vs Kenya Ports Authority (4pm) – BK Arena Group D General Service Unit Vs Atletico Clube do Mindelo (12pm) – BK Arena Rukinzo Vs Kalibi Sporting Club (2pm) – Petit Stade Port Autonome de Douala Vs REG (RWA) (6pm) – BK Arena
