The annual Emmanuel Kayumba memorial volleyball tournament is set for Saturday at Group Scolaire de Butare courts, the school has said.

According to Father Celestin Rwirangira, the headmaster of Group Scolaire de Butare, the annual tournament will attract 16 teams including six for women. It's the first time women will be competing.

Kayumba, who passed away in 2009, was instrumental in the growth of volleyball in Group Scolaire de Butare, which has produced players like Flavier Ndamukunda, Richard Muhirwa (INATEK), Guillaume Irakarama, Bonnie Mutabazi (NUR), Jules Singiza and Joseph 'Jeef' Ndahiro (KVC), among others.

"We approached some companies for sponsorship but none got back to us; nonetheless, we hope the tournament will be a success as planned even without outside support," Father Rwirangira told this paper.

The women teams include APR, Ruhango, Notre Dame de La Providence, Rwanda Revenue Authority, ST Alloys and Nyanza.

APR, National University of Rwanda, Nyanza, Groupe Scolaire de Butare, Toutage, Groupe Scolaire de Gisagara, Petit Seminaire de Karubanda, Christ Roi de Nyanza, Lycee de Nyanza and INATEK will square up for the men's title.

Hosts Group Scolaire de Butare beat National University of Rwanda in the final to win the men's title last year.

Meanwhile, this year's event will be spiced up by Karate competitions on Sunday in two categories, Kumite and Kata.

Teams that have already confirmed their participation include National University of Rwanda, Petit Seminaire Karubanda, Nyanza, Nyamagabe, Huye, Groupe Scoraile de Butare, Christ Roi Nyanza and Notre Dame de La Providence.