Star setter Diane Mpuhwezimana has committed her future to APR WVC after signing a two-year contract extension that will keep her at the club until 2028. The extension was announced with two weeks remaining on her current deal, which was due to expire on August 30. The 24-year-old had attracted interest from Police WVC, who were keen to secure her services ahead of the 2026/27 season. However, APR WVC moved swiftly to extend her stay. Retaining Mpuhwezimana strengthens APR’s depth in the setting position as the club prepares to defend its league title in the upcoming season, which is expected to begin on October 16. APR already have three foreign players on their roster: Kenyan setter Linah Acheing, currently the first-choice option for coach Justin Kigwari; fellow opposite Mercyline Wabwira Nakhamica; and middle blocker Sylvia Asimit Lachilla. With clubs allowed to have only three foreign players on their team sheet, retaining a reliable local setter of Mpuhwezimana’s calibre provides the coaching staff with an important domestic option and greater flexibility in rotations. Losing Mpuhwezimana would have left APR with fewer options in the setting position, particularly during a long season in which squad depth could prove crucial. Mpuhwezimana joined APR WVC from Groupe Scolaire St Aloys Rwamagana in 2023 and has since established herself as one of the club’s key players. She enjoyed a major breakthrough in 2025 when she helped APR win the CAVB Zone V Club Championship, defeating Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) in the final for the first time. The victory secured APR WVC a place at the African Women’s Club Championship, while Mpuhwezimana was named both Best Setter and Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament.
