Kirehe Volleyball Club head coach Viateur Sibomana says his priority for the 2026/27 season is to build a competitive team capable of challenging Rwanda’s top sides in the coming years.
The 45-year-old tactician has signed a contract running until 2028, marking his return to Rwanda’s volleyball league after three years in Benin, where he coached local club Finances, which travelled to Kigali for the Africa Men’s Volleyball Club Championship.
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Speaking to Times Sport about his return and ambitions with Kirehe VC, Sibomana said his immediate focus was not winning the league title but laying the groundwork for a stronger team while creating opportunities for young players.
"I have been away from my country for a long time, not because there were no opportunities, but Kirehe stood out among the options in terms of what they offered. From my research, I also realised that the Eastern Province has a lot of talent.
"I want to create opportunities for young players using the experience I have gained, working closely with Kirehe’s management. I do not think we can win the trophy in our first year, but we can make progress and give young players a chance to embrace this journey,” he said.
Kirehe finished eighth and last among the eight teams that competed in the men’s league last season. In a bid to improve their performance, the club has strengthened its squad with several experienced players ahead of the new campaign.
The new arrivals include outside hitter Samuel Niyigishubizo, setter Cedrick Ngaboyintwari and Ugandan hitter Gideon Angiro.
The club has also recruited several younger players, including outside hitters Dukuze Ngabonziza and Gasore Niyonzima, middle blocker Aimable Tuyizere, Emmanuel Twizeyimana and libero Alain Thierry Kayizasire.
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Beyond improving the team’s immediate competitiveness, Sibomana wants to establish a sustainable youth development programme that will enable Kirehe to nurture talent, potentially produce players for bigger clubs and generate revenue to support grassroots volleyball.
He identified developing local players as one of his main responsibilities, noting that the squad would feature a significant number of young talents alongside more experienced recruits.
"One of my key assignments at Kirehe is to create opportunities for Rwandans. Anyone who looks at our team will notice that we have a large number of young players compared to experienced ones.
"I believe that, in the near future, Kirehe will be carried by its young talents,” Sibomana added.
The 2026/27 Rwanda Volleyball League season is scheduled to begin on Friday, October 16.