APR captain Valentine Munezero has praised head coach Justin Kigwari for quickly adapting to the club and leading APR WVC to the 2025/26 Rwanda National Volleyball League women’s title despite joining midway through the season. The Kenyan tactician secured his first trophy with the army side after APR completed a dominant playoff campaign, defeating Kepler WVC in straight victories during the best-of-five finals series to reclaim the league crown. ALSO READ: APR overcome Kepler to lift women’s volleyball league title Kigwari took charge of the team in January following the departure of former coach Peter Kamasa, at a time when APR faced pressure to preserve their unbeaten run and maintain momentum heading into the decisive stage of the season. Speaking after APR sealed the championship, Munezero credited Kigwari for maintaining the team’s intensity and helping the squad stay focused throughout the demanding second half of the campaign. “I can’t compare the two coaches because both of them contributed in different ways. Our current coach introduced new tactical ideas that strengthened the team, like bringing in Lizzy Gasekgonwe in the last game alongside the other players who joined the squad,” Munezero told Times Sport. APR had already demonstrated their strength before Kigwari’s arrival, finishing the regular season unbeaten and topping the standings in the opening phase of the campaign. However, the coaching transition raised questions about whether the club could sustain its consistency during the playoffs. Kigwari, who was appointed after a brief interim spell under assistant coach Yvette Cyuzuzo, quickly embraced the challenge. Upon joining APR, Kigwari was further boosted by the arrivals of Kenyan trio Mercyline Wabwira Nakhamica, middle blocker Sylvia Asimit Lachilla, and setter Linar Ogwera Achieng. ALSO RED: Musabyemariya switches from APR to Police WVC Under Kigwari’s leadership, APR extended their dominance by sweeping Rwanda Revenue Authority WVC in the semifinals before producing another straight-series victory over Kepler in the finals. The title marked a significant milestone for Kigwari, who delivered silverware within months of arriving at the club. Munezero also acknowledged the contribution of former coach Kamasa, crediting him for laying the foundation for APR’s recent success before his departure in January. APR’s resurgence began in 2023 when Kamasa joined the club and guided them to the 2023/24 league title after defeating Police WVC in the finals. During his tenure, the club also made history by winning the 2024 CAVB Zone V Club Championship, becoming the first Rwandan women’s volleyball team to claim the regional title.
