Rwanda Energy Group (REG) VC and Police WVC were crowned champions of the 2026 Liberation Cup after defeating Police VC and APR WVC, respectively, in the finals held at Petit Stade on Friday. REG made a bright start to the men’s final, with setter Crispin Ntanteteri dictating the tempo of the game and consistently finding attacker Nicholas Matui, while captain Thon Maker Magembo led by example. Their dominance earned the electricity distributor the opening set 25-18. Police VC responded strongly in the second set. Coach Fred Musoni's side regrouped as setter Brian Melly combined effectively with Elphas Makuto to level the match after claiming the set 25-20. The third set was fiercely contested. Police introduced Gloire Niyonkuru, whose powerful serving unsettled REG despite occasional struggles in reception. However, REG held their composure, with Sam Engua delivering the decisive point to clinch the set 25-22 and move within one set of the title. Police battled hard to force a deciding set, but REG proved stronger in the closing stages of the fourth, edging it 25-23 to seal the match and lift the 2026 Liberation Cup trophy. The victory marked REG’s second consecutive triumph over Police VC in a major final, having also defeated them in the championship-deciding match of the 2025/26 National Volleyball League playoffs. We expected Police to make the final difficult because they are a strong side, but we remained focused on our objective, which was to win the trophy, REG captain Thon Maker Magembo told Times Sport. Earlier in the day, Gisagara VC ended its medal drought after coach Marchal Kwizera guided the club to the men’s bronze medal with a thrilling five-set victory over APR VC (26-28, 25-15, 31-29, 15-25, 15-9). In the women’s final, Police WVC coached by Christian Hatumimana, successfully defended their Liberation Cup title by defeating APR WVC in straight sets (29-27, 25-21, 26-24). Police’s victory was inspired by opposite hitter Pamela Adiabo, who joined the club this season after leaving APR, and Melidinah Sande. The pair repeatedly broke through APR’s defence to secure another Liberation Cup crown for the law enforcers. Meanwhile, Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) claimed the women’s bronze medal after Kepler WVC withdrew before the third-place playoff. The annual Liberation Cup is part of the sporting activities organised to commemorate Rwanda’s Liberation Day, celebrated every year on July 4. A total of nine clubs participated in the 2026 edition of the tournament.
