The National University of Rwanda defeated archrival and defending champions APR to win the 2013 men’s volleyball league title for the ninth time, while APR women’s team retained their crown on Sunday.
Eric Nsabimana ‘Mashine’ was in inspired form for NUR.
The men’s Playoff final, which was attended by among others, the Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB) president Dr Amri Elwani, lasted two hours and thirty minutes. NUR, who were looking to win back the title from their rivals for the first time since 2010, were inspired by 22-year-old Olivier Ntagengwa and veteran Eric Nsabimana ‘Machine’ who impressed with good spikes, blocks and services, to win in three sets, 34-18, 29-27 and 26-24.
The former champions APR put up a spirited fight in three sets but their effort led by the U21 skipper Aimable Mutuyimana, Adolph Mutoni and skipper Fred Musoni wasn’t good enough against an inspired UNR side.
It was the Varsity side’s ninth league title since 1995. APR, who had won it in the last two successive seasons, have won it in total, six times with the first one coming in 2005.
NUR finished with 50 points, APR 48 points, INATEK 41 points, Lycee de Nyanza 37, Kigali Volleyball Club 30, Rusumo High School 30, St Joseph 22, and GSOB 21, while Christ Roi came last on the table with 16 points.
In women category, APR retained the title after beating Rwanda Revenue Authority 3-2 (25-21, 25-7, 21-25, 17-25 and 15-11). The season ended; APR 34 points, RRA 31, Ruhango 23, St Alloys 17, St Joseph 14 while Lycee de Nyanza 11 points.
Sunday (Men)
APR 0-3 NUR
Women
RRA 2-3 APR
Men past winners
1995- NUR
1996 -NUR
1997-NUR
1998 -KVC
1999 -KVC
2000 -KVC
2001 -NUR
2002 -NUR
2003 -KVC
2004 -NUR
2005 -APR
2006 -NUR
2007 -APR
2008 -APR
2009 -APR
2010 -NUR
2011 -APR
2012 –APR
2013 -NUR
By Peter Kamasa,The New Times
