APR Women’s Volleyball Club are reportedly closing in on the signing of Kepler VC middle blocker Hope Musaniwabo as the reigning champions look to fill the void left by Albertine Uwiringiyimana, who departed the club after securing an opportunity in the United States. Musaniwabo, a two-time Rwanda Volleyball League champion with Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) and Police WVC, was also part of Rwanda’s squad at the recently concluded 2026 Women’s African Nations Volleyball Championship in Kenya. ALSO READ: Cameroon deny Rwanda bronze at women’s volleyball champs A source close to APR WVC told Times Sport that the middle blocker is expected to sign with the reigning champions this week, provided negotiations conclude without any last-minute changes. Musaniwabo, 28, was among Rwanda’s standout players at the continental championship. She delivered a notable performance in Rwanda’s group-stage victory over Burundi, scoring 12 points from six attacks, three blocks and three service aces. ALSO READ: Rwanda crush Burundi to top Group D at CAVB women’s Championship Her potential arrival would provide APR with an experienced replacement for Uwiringiyimana while strengthening the team’s options in the middle. The move would also allow the army side to reinforce its squad without breaching the league’s foreign-player limit. APR WVC already have three foreign players on their roster: Kenyan setter Linah Acheing, fellow Kenyan opposite Mercyline Wabwira Nakhamica and middle blocker Sylvia Asimit Lachilla. League regulations limit clubs to three foreign players, meaning APR would need to look locally for any additional reinforcements. Musaniwabo spent the 2025/26 season with Kepler VC, helping the club reach the Rwanda Volleyball League final, where they eventually lost to APR WVC. Despite missing out on the title, she was named the league’s Best Server at the end of the season. Before joining Kepler, Musaniwabo enjoyed a successful spell with RRA, helping the club end a seven-year wait for the league title in 2023. She later joined Police WVC and played a key role in the club’s historic triumph in the 2024/25 season, when Police won their first-ever Rwanda Volleyball League championship.
