Police VC staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Gisagara VC in five sets (22-25, 19-25, 25-14, 26-24, 15-12) in their opening fixture of the 2026/27 Rwanda Volleyball League at Petit Stade on Friday.
Both teams made a strong start, but Gisagara seized the early initiative. Police coach Fred Musoni handed new signing Saymon Dias an opportunity on the opposite side, while outside hitter Elphas Makuto linked up with setter Brian Melly to spearhead the team’s attack.
However, Gisagara, guided by setter Sylvestre Ndayisaba, capitalised on an impressive performance from Kathbart Malinga to claim the opening set 25-22.
Police struggled to match their opponents’ intensity in the second set, as Omary Bure also contributed to Gisagara’s attacking threat. The visitors maintained their momentum to win the set 25-19, moving within one set of victory.
With Police facing the prospect of defeat, Musoni made tactical changes in the third set, resting Matheus Bettim and introducing experienced middle blocker Placide Sibomana in a bid to turn the match around.
The changes paid off as Police took control of the set, winning 25-14 to reduce the deficit and revive their hopes of a comeback.
Police carried their renewed confidence into the fourth set, with Musoni introducing middle blocker John Nkurunziza to bolster the team’s defence. Gisagara, coached by Pierre Marchal Kwizera, continued to rely on the attacking threat of Bure and James Achille, but Police held their nerve in a tense battle to edge the set 26-24 and force a decider.
Police carried their momentum into the decisive fifth set, completing the comeback with a 15-12 victory to open their league campaign on a winning note.
Reflecting on the turnaround, Musoni praised his substitutes for helping the team manage the pressure and regain control of the contest.
"Gisagara are a good team, and I respect their squad. They prepared well for this season, which was evident in their performance. However, we managed the pressure well, with substitutes like Eric Kwizera coming on for Matheus Bettim and making an impact,” Musoni said.
In another men’s fixture, APR VC began their campaign with a straight-set victory over Kigali Volleyball Club (KVC), winning 25-16, 25-21 and 25-20.
KVC featured former national team captain Ivan Mahoro and setter Bernard Masabo, who were expected to help the side challenge the army club. However, APR maintained control throughout the encounter to secure a comfortable opening-day win.
In the women’s category, Police WVC also made a winning start to their 2026/27 campaign, sweeping aside Kepler WVC in straight sets.
Police dominated the match from start to finish, winning 25-7, 25-18 and 25-8 in a contest that lasted less than an hour.
Saturday fixtures
Women
RP-Huye vs RRA— 12:30 pm
Men
RP-Ngoma vs Korey VC — 3 pm
EAUR vs REG— 6 pm