Newcomers University of Tourism, Technology and Business Studies (UTB) women volleyball club have recruited four players ahead the 2018/2019 season which is set to get underway on November 10. Speaking to Times Sport, UTB team manager Philbert Mucyo said the new signings are setter Yvette Igihozo (from APR), setter Belise Dusabe (from Ruhango), centre Louise Muhoza (from St Aloys) and left attacker Benitha Mukandayisenga (from APR). “Our mission is to win trophies immediately,” Mucyo said. The club is also in advanced talks with Rwanda international left attacker Charlotte Nzayisenga, of Rwanda Revenue Authority, for a possible move before league kick-off. Meanwhile, the league will constitute eight teams in the men’s category in the first division and eight in the women’s category, while the second division will also have nine teams, one more than last year. According to RFVB president Leandre Karekezi, the level of competition is expected to be better than last season’s. He also said they are planning to secure sponsors and to organise more competitions. During the federation’s general assembly held on Sunday at the Ministry of Sports and Culture two clubs, namely IPRC-Musanze (men in second division) and UTB (women) were approved. “The league has not secured sponsors yet but we are working hard to secure one and we have some people whom we are already in talks with. We want to have a strong league,” Karekezi said. The men’s league will begin on November 10. Gisagara are the defending champions in the men’s league while RRA are the defending champions in the women league. As champions, both Gisagara and RRA will compete in the Africa Club Championships next year. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
