Few expected Rwanda Energy Group (REG) VC to win the 2025/26 Rwanda National Volleyball League title ahead of pre-season favourites Police VC, Kepler VC, APR VC and Gisagara VC. But within a matter of weeks, everything changed. Fresh from securing a bronze medal at the Africa Men’s Club Championship under Ugandan coach Benon Mugisha, the same tactician who guided REG to their maiden league title in 2019, the club carried new belief and momentum into the playoffs. ALSO READ: REG VC crowned champions after dramatic finals series comeback REG went on to produce one of the most remarkable turnarounds of the season, fighting back from two matches down to defeat Police VC in the final three games of the best-of-five finals series and clinch their third league title since joining the top flight in 2017. From entering the playoffs as underdogs to ending the campaign as champions, Times Sport looks back at REG’s incredible title-winning journey. Big investment in offseason After finishing the 2024/25 campaign with a bronze medal, REG underwent a major squad rebuild. The club lost several key players, including Gideon Angiro, who joined Police VC, while setter Sylvestre Ndayisaba and middle blocker Ronald Muvara moved to Gisagara VC. In response, REG invested heavily in the transfer market to strengthen the squad. The club signed experienced setter Crispin Ntanteteri, left attacker Merci Gisubizo, Kenyan outside hitter Nicholas Matui — who arrived after winning the Most Valuable Player award in the Kenyan league — and middle blocker Emmy Twagirayezu. ALSO READ: Matui praises Rwandan league intensity after REG VC triumph REG also brought back Benon Mugisha to replace Jean Patrick Ndaki, who left for Kepler VC. Despite the quality additions, the largely reshaped squad needed time to develop chemistry and consistency. A difficult start The struggles early in the season came as little surprise. While rivals such as Police VC and Kepler VC maintained settled squads, REG were still adapting to a new system and combinations. Their problems became evident in the season opener at Sainte Famille Gymnasium, where Police VC defeated them convincingly in front of their home fans. The poor form continued as the team, captained by South Sudanese player Thon Maker Madol, suffered four defeats during the first phase of the season and dropped to fifth place with 18 points. As the second phase neared its conclusion, REG were in serious danger of missing out on the playoffs altogether. ALSO READ: Matui praises Rwandan league intensity after REG VC triumph The APR victory that changed everything Pressure mounted on several players, including Merci Gisubizo, who had joined REG seeking a fresh start after serving a one-year suspension from volleyball. Then came February 28 — a decisive clash against APR VC in the final match of the second phase. APR started strongly and won the opening set, but REG responded with determination to take the next three sets and secure a vital 3-1 victory (19-25, 25-18, 25-23, 25-20). The win not only secured REG’s playoff spot but also marked the beginning of their dramatic resurgence. In the semifinals, REG faced Kepler VC in a series many expected to be highly competitive. Instead, REG dominated the matchup and swept their opponents to reach the finals for the first time in three seasons. Continental success sparks belief The finals initially appeared to be slipping away after Police VC won the opening two matches of the series. Police, finalists for the second consecutive season after losing to APR last year, looked destined to finally lift the championship trophy. Then came the two-week break for the Africa Men’s Club Championship in Kigali — a tournament that completely transformed REG’s mentality. REG returned from the continental competition with bronze medals after defeating Morocco’s FUS Rabat in the third-place playoff. Meanwhile, Police VC made history by becoming the first Rwandan club to reach the final before eventually settling for silver. Speaking after REG’s bronze-medal victory, Mugisha praised the resilience of his players. “No one gave us a chance, but we believed in ourselves,” Mugisha said after the match inspired by Nicholas Matui, who scored 19 points. Historic comeback in the finals Eight days later, REG resumed the league finals trailing 2-0 against Police VC, who needed just one more victory to secure the title. Instead, REG mounted a stunning comeback. They first claimed a four-set victory to force Game 4 before edging another dramatic encounter in a tie-break set to level the series at 2-2. A day later, the electricity side completed the turnaround in emphatic fashion, sweeping Police VC in straight sets to seal the 2025/26 league championship. “The hardest title of my career” After the victory, an emotional Mugisha described the triumph as the toughest championship of his coaching career. “Except for Peace Twagirayezu, many players in my squad played through injuries that could have cost us the title. I thank them for their sacrifice because this is the hardest championship I have ever won since I started coaching,” Mugisha said. For REG supporters, the triumph represented far more than just another trophy. Sylvia Mukandutiye, one of the fans who witnessed the decisive fifth game, admitted she was overwhelmed with emotion as REG completed their remarkable comeback. “I honestly don’t know what to say. I had tears in my eyes watching REG climb the podium to receive their gold medals. All I can say is thank you for giving us such a memorable championship,” she said.
