APR Volleyball Club from Rwanda made history by clinching both the men’s and women’s titles at the CAVB Zone V Club Championship held at Lugogo Arena in Kampala.
This marked the first time a single club secured the championship double in the same edition, showcasing APR’s depth and tactical prowess throughout the competition (Feb 26 – Mar 4).
In the women’s final, APR triumphed over defending champions Kenya Pipeline in a four-set thriller. After dropping the first set 20-25, APR roared back to take the next three sets 25-17, 26-24, 25-23 – with outside hitter Sarah Lamito delivering the title-clinching spike in a tense finish.
The men’s final saw an all-Rwandan showdown where APR defeated archrivals Rwanda National Police 3-1 (26-24, 19-25, 25-18, 25-21) to claim the trophy.
APR’s clean sweep was further cemented by a haul of individual awards: in the men’s category, Paul Akan was MVP and Best Setter, with teammates Denis Ireke and Mukaila Hakeem named Best Outside Hitter and Best Opposite, respectively.
On the women’s side, APR’s Mpuhwezimana Diane took MVP and Best Setter honors, while colleagues Uwiringiyimana Albertine (Best Blocker) and Gaoleseletse Gasekgonwe (Best Opposite) were also recognized.
Ugandan clubs did make their mark – Sport-S (women) and REG (Rwanda Energy Group, men) earned bronzes in the third-place playoffs – but the 2025 championship will be remembered for APR’s historic double triumph and the Rwandan celebration that ensued.
