Kepler VC, Kenya Pipeline triumph at 2026 Genocide Memorial Volleyball Tournament Kepler Volleyball Club and Kenya Pipeline Volleyball Club were crowned champions of the 2026 Genocide Memorial Volleyball Tournament after defeating APR’s men’s and women’s teams, respectively, in the finals held at Petit Stade on Sunday. The three-day competition, marking its 20th edition, was organised by the Rwanda Volleyball Federation (FRVB) in partnership with the Rwanda National Olympic and Sports Committee (RNOSC) as part of efforts to honour the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi through sport. Jean Patrick Ndaki’s Kepler VC secured the men’s crown with a commanding straight-sets victory over APR VC, winning 25-22, 28-26 and 25-21 in the final. Despite missing influential middle blocker John Nkurunziza, Kepler produced an impressive performance against an APR side strengthened by the additions of opposite hitter James Achille and outside hitter Abdul Hameed. Kepler made a strong start, taking the opening set 25-22 before APR coach Sammy Mulinge reshuffled his lineup in search of an equaliser. The military side relied on the experience of middle blocker Prince Kanamugire, setter Paul Akan and Abdul Hameed to stay in contention. The second set developed into a closely contested battle, with both teams exchanging points throughout. APR enjoyed brief spells of dominance, but Kepler’s tactical adjustments and the outstanding display of star attacker Wicklif Dusenge proved decisive. Dusenge led the scoring as Kepler edged the set 28-26 to move within one set of the title. APR struggled to recover from the setback, while Kepler maintained their momentum in the third set, sealing a 25-21 victory to complete a straight-sets sweep and lift the trophy. In the women’s final, Kenya Pipeline VC also defeated APR WVC in straight sets, winning 25-17, 25-20 and 25-17 to secure the title. The Kenyan side controlled the contest from start to finish, showcasing superior attacking efficiency and defensive organisation to deny APR any opportunity for a comeback. Police Volleyball Club finished third in both the men’s and women’s competitions. In the men’s third-place playoff, Fred Musoni’s side defeated Rwanda Energy Group (REG) VC 3-1, with set scores of 25-22, 25-17, 20-25 and 29-27. Police WVC also secured bronze after overcoming Kepler WVC in a thrilling five-set encounter. After losing the opening set 21-25, Police responded by winning the next two sets 25-23 and 25-12. Kepler forced a decider with a 25-13 victory in the fourth set, but Police held their nerve in the fifth to clinch third place. Individual awards Women’s category Best Server: Binta Fatoumata (Kepler WVC) Best Receiver: Benitha Mukandayisenga (APR WVC) Best Setter: Emaculate Mekeza (Kenya Pipeline) Best Attacker: Veronica Adiambo (Kenya Pipeline) Best Blocker : Marian Sokoiya (Kenya Pipeline) Best Libero: Sharon Arusei (Kenya Pipeline) Most Valuable Player : Marian Sokoiya (Kenya Pipeline) Men’s category Best Server: Abdul Hameed (APR VC) Best Receiver: Cedrick Kageruka (Kepler VC) Best Setter: Marino Oboke (Kepler VC) Best Attacker: Wicklif Dusenge (Kepler VC) Best Blocker: Prince Kanamugire (APR VC) Best Libero: Jules Niyigena (Kepler VC) MVP : Wicklif Dusenge (Kepler VC)
