The match, held at the IPRC Kigali tennis courts, began on Saturday but was interrupted by heavy rain, which rendered the clay court unplayable. Schwaerzler edged a tense first set 7-6(5) after a 79-minute battle.
Thirty-year-old Napolitano, who had advanced through the draw with strong form, was leading 3-2 in the second set before play was suspended. The match resumed on Sunday at 11 AM, and the remainder took just 43 minutes. Schwaerzler demonstrated his composure in tie-breaks once again, clinching the second set 7-6(6) and securing the title, which carries 75 ATP ranking points and $17,000 in prize money.
Schwaerzler reached the final with a straight-sets victory over Italy’s Marco Cecchinato, 6-2, 7-6(8). Napolitano earned his spot in the final by upsetting the second seed, France’s Arthur Géa, 2-1 (7-6(3), 5-7, 6-3).
The two players are set to meet again in the opening round of the Rwanda Challenger II, promising another exciting clash.
In doubles action, the first week crown went to American Jay Clarke and Dutch player Max Houkes, who defeated Indian Siddhant Banthia and Bulgarian Alexander Donski 2-1 (6-4, 6(6)-7, 12-10).
The second week of the Rwanda Challenger 2026 will take place from March 9–15, offering 100 ATP ranking points. The tournament week features the ATP Challenger 100 Tour, following the ATP Challenger 75 Tour in week one. These events are part of the ATP Challenger circuit (ranking 50–175), awarding 75 and 100 points, respectively.
This marks the second consecutive year Rwanda has hosted both 75- and 100-point Challenger events, after debuting the format in 2025. In 2024, the country hosted a 50-point Challenger tournament.
This annual event, now in its 47th edition, will bring together top-tier volleyball teams from across Africa, with additional strong teams from various nations expected to participate.
The agreement was signed in a ceremony held at the Kigali Convention Centre on Thursday, March 5, 2026.
FRVB was represented by its president, Raphaël Ngarambe, while CAVB was represented by its president, Bouchra Hajij.
Ngarambe expressed excitement about Rwanda hosting this major event, highlighting that the championship would provide valuable opportunities, including qualification for the World Cup for the participating teams.
Bouchra Hajij, president of CAVB, thanked Rwanda for agreeing to host the competition, expressing confidence that the event would be well-organized and stand out.
She noted, “Rwanda is a key partner for us. The country’s streamlined visa process for Africans is one of the factors that makes its events successful. Rwanda has demonstrated its capability to host international tournaments, and I am optimistic that the 2026 competition will be a resounding success.”
She further added, “I believe that the leadership of President Paul Kagame has played a pivotal role in nurturing talent and providing clear direction, which has significantly contributed to the country’s economic growth and sporting success.”
The Minister of Sports, Nelly Mukazayire, who was also present at the signing ceremony, expressed her gratitude to CAVB for placing their trust in Rwanda to host this important event. She reassured that the country’s facilities and commitment to sports excellence would leave a lasting impression on participants.
“It is an honor for us to host the African Championship for the first time, which will see 24 top teams compete. As the hosts, we are determined to demonstrate that Rwanda is well-equipped to showcase the talents of all athletes and provide them with world-class facilities,” she stated.
The signing ceremony was preceded by the unveiling of the official logo for the CAVB Men’s Club Championship to be held in Kigali.
The previous edition of the championship, held in 2025 in Misurata, Libya, saw Swehly Sports Club from Libya claiming the title, with APR VC from Rwanda finishing in fourth place.
As per the competition’s format, the host country is represented by the top four teams based on their performance in the previous year’s championship. This year, Rwanda will be represented by teams including; APR, Police, REG, and Kepler VC.
In a historic achievement, Gisagara VC made history in 2022 as the first Rwandan team to win a medal in this competition, securing third place by defeating Port de Douala 3-1 in the event held in Kelibia, Tunisia.
The officials attending the event observe the logo of the competition.The logo of the African Men’s Club Championship to be held in Kigali.The President of the Rwanda Olympic Committee, Alice Umulinga, also attended the signing of the agreement.FRVB President, Ngarambe Raphaël, and CAVB President, Bouchra Hajij, sign the agreement to host the African Men’s Club Championship.The Minister of Sports, Nelly Mukazayire, assured that the competition to be held in Kigali will be a success.
The talks, held on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, were also attended by Nicholas Mutebi, NBA Africa’s Regional Partnerships and Sponsorships Lead, and journalist Andrew Mwenda, a close associate of Gen. Muhoozi.
Discussions focused on elevating basketball in Uganda to a professional level and creating pathways for young talent. Akamanzi highlighted NBA Africa’s initiatives across the continent, including partnerships with governments and private sector players to develop basketball-driven economic opportunities.
Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba held discussions with Clare Akamanzi, CEO of NBA Africa, on Wednesday.
As part of these efforts, NBA Africa plans to collaborate with Uganda’s Ministry of Sports and Education to launch the “NBA Junior League,” a youth competition aimed at nurturing talent from secondary schools and preparing players for professional leagues.
Gen. Muhoozi and Akamanzi also explored the development of basketball infrastructure in Uganda to further stimulate economic growth. Akamanzi’s visit comes as the country invests in sports facilities, including the newly completed Hoima Stadium and plans to renovate the basketball court in Lugogo.
Discussions between the two officials focused on elevating basketball in Uganda to a professional level and creating pathways for young talent.
The decision, confirmed in a series of statements culminating on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, follows coordinated U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran that began on February 28. Subsequent retaliatory strikes across the Gulf have led to the widespread closure of regional airspace and the suspension of international travel hubs in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
The suspension impacts all three tiers of the AFC’s revamped club ecosystem. While the confederation initially deferred only the first-leg matches earlier this week, the continued volatility has forced a blanket postponement of the return legs originally scheduled for March 9 through March 11.
This wide-reaching freeze affects the AFC Champions League Elite knockout stages, as well as the quarter-final fixtures for both the AFC Champions League Two and the AFC Challenge League. In its official statement, the AFC emphasised that the safety and security of all stakeholders, including players, teams, officials, and fans, remains the highest priority.
This regional instability sidelines some of the continent’s most high-profile clubs and players during a critical juncture of the season. Among the key Elite Round of 16 matches now on hold are the highly anticipated matchups between Shabab Al Ahli of the UAE and Iran’s Tractor FC, as well as the high-stakes clash between Qatar’s Al Duhail and Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli.
Other major fixtures facing indefinite delays include Al Wahda versus Al-Ittihad and the marquee meeting between Al Sadd and Al-Hilal. The disruption extends beyond the continental stage, as both the Qatar Football Association and the Iran Football Federation have moved to suspend all domestic sporting activities indefinitely.
The domestic halt in Qatar has also placed the 2026 Finalissima between Spain and Argentina, scheduled for March 27 at Lusail Stadium, in significant doubt. Despite the chaos in the West, the AFC confirmed that matches in the East Region involving clubs from Japan, South Korea, Australia, and China are currently proceeding as scheduled.
While the governing body is exploring the possibility of moving the West Region’s knockout stages to a centralised format later in April, no official dates have been set. Meanwhile, the conflict has cast a long shadow over the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Iranian football officials publicly questioning their participation in the upcoming tournament hosted in North America this June.
According to the federation, the suspension impacts all three tiers of the AFC’s revamped club ecosystem.
Speaking with state broadcaster IRIB TV3 and sports portal Varzesh3 on Monday, Taj addressed the escalating conflict and its impact on “Team Melli’s” appearance in the upcoming tournament, which is primarily hosted by the United States.
While stopping short of an official withdrawal, Taj indicated that the federation’s enthusiasm for the competition has evaporated following the attacks.
“What is certain is that after these strikes, it is hard to look at the World Cup with hope,” Taj stated. “I cannot say with certainty what the final outcome will be, but there will inevitably be consequences.”
The remarks come in the wake of the February 28, 2026, coordinated strikes by U.S. and Israeli forces targeting Iranian military infrastructure and leadership. Iran responded within 24 hours with a massive wave of retaliatory drone and missile attacks against U.S. military installations across the Middle East, including bases in Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain, and Kuwait.
Taj noted that the decision to travel to the U.S. is no longer a purely sporting matter. “All relevant football and high-ranking governing authorities in Iran will convene to take an appropriate decision,” he said. “At this moment, given the scale and intensity of the attacks, I do not believe this is a World Cup we are looking forward to.”
Tensions between the federation and the host nation were already high prior to the military escalation. In December 2025, Iranian representatives boycotted the World Cup draw in Washington, D.C., after the U.S. government denied visas to several members of the delegation, including Taj himself.
Iran is currently slated to compete in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand. All three of their group-stage matches are scheduled to take place on U.S. soil, with fixtures in Los Angeles and Seattle beginning June 15. FIFA has stated it is “monitoring the situation closely,” but has yet to comment on a potential replacement should Iran formally withdraw.
Iran could withdraw from the 2026 World Cup following attacks launched against it by the United States.
Riding for the NSN Development Team, Kretschy, competing in his third Tour du Rwanda, took the yellow jersey on Wednesday after finishing second in Stage 4 from Karongi to Rubavu. He held onto it with composure through the final stages, ultimately crossing the finish line 2 minutes and 8 seconds ahead of compatriot Johannes Adamietz of the Rembe | Rad-net team.
23-year-old German rider Moritz Kretschy is the overall winner at the 2026 edition of Tour du Rwanda.
With this win, Kretschy becomes the 16th rider to claim the Tour du Rwanda since 2009 and the third European champion, following Spanish rider Cristian Rodriguez in 2021 and Frenchman Fabien Doubey in 2025. Riders from nine countries, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Eritrea, Spain, Rwanda, South Africa, the USA, and Morocco, have now stood atop the podium in the race’s history.
Eritrea’s Henok Mulubrhan shines
The final stage also saw Eritrean star Henok Mulubrhan shine, claiming victory in Stage 8, an 83.8 km circuit around Kigali City. Mulubrhan, 26, who previously won the 2023 Tour du Rwanda, became the only African stage winner of this year’s race. He last won a stage in 2025, taking the Rukomo-Kayonza segment and finishing second overall that year.
Eritrean star Henok Mulubrhan secured victory in Stage 8, becoming the first African to win a stage in the 2026 Tour du Rwanda.
Stage 8 featured an early break by Araya and Da Silva, before the peloton gradually reeled them in. Riders battled over the cobbled climbs of Kimihurura, including the iconic Kwa Mignonne, as teams pushed for positioning ahead of the final 35 km city loop through Nyabugogo, Kimisagara, Tapis Rouge, and Kwa Migonne, ending at KCC.
Brazilian rider Bruno Martins of Team Localiza took both the first- and second-category King of the Mountain points, while Aman Awet of Istanbul Team and Jermaine Zemke of Rembe also put in strong performances during the climbs.
By the finish, Kretschy’s dominance was clear, topping the general classification with a total time of 23:08:48, followed by Adamietz (+2:08) and Belgium’s Duarte Marivoet (+2:32). Mulubrhan finished fourth in the GC, just 4 minutes 38 seconds behind Kretschy, highlighting his consistency and stage-winning power.
Stage 8’s top 10 finishers included Mulubrhan, Mauro Cuylits (BEL), Pau Marti Soriano (ESP), Even Yemane (ERI), Yafiet Mulugeta (ERI), Hodei Muñoz Gabiña (ESP), Eric Muhoza (RWA), Matteo Vanhuffel (BEL), Erazem Valjavec (SLO), and Oliver Mattheis (GER).
Other notable performances included Brazilian Bruno Martins (Localiza), who took both the first- and second-category King of the Mountain points, and young Belgian rider Duarte Marivoet, who impressed as the best young rider. Eritrean Amaniel Desta was recognized as the best African rider and best young African rider, while Miguel Heidemann (REMBE | Rad-net) earned the title of best climber.
Rwandan riders also shone in the home race: Eric Muhoza was named best Rwandan in Stage 8, while Samuel Niyonkuru received recognition as the best Rwandan overall.
Top honors and awards included:
· Overall winner: Moritz Kretschy (GER, NSN Development Team)
· Stage 8 winner: Henok Mulubrhan (ERI)
· Best team: Lotto-Groupe Wanty
· Best sprinter: Henok Mulubrhan (ERI)
· Best climber: Miguel Heidemann (REMBE | Rad-net)
· Best young rider: Duarte Marivoet (BEL)
· Best African rider: Amaniel Desta (ERI)
· Best young African rider: Amaniel Desta (ERI)
· Best Rwandan rider Stage 8: Eric Muhoza (RWA)
· Best Rwandan overall: Samuel Niyonkuru (RWA)
· Most time in the lead: Aman Awet (Istanbul Team)
Top 10 general classification (GC)
1. Moritz Kretschy (GER) – 23:08:48
2. Johannes Adamietz (GER) – +2:08
3. Duarte Marivoet (BEL) – +2:32
4. Amaniel Desta (ETH) – +3:13
5. Jurgen Zomermaand (NED) – +4:13
6. Henrique Ribeiro Bravo (BRA) – +4:21
7. Matteo Vanhuffel (BEL) – +4:33
8. Henrique Da Silva Avancini (BRA) – +4:33
9. Oliver Mattheis (GER) – +4:35
10. Henok Mulubrhan (ERI) – +4:38
Stage 8 top 10 finishers
1. Henok Mulubrhan (ERI) – 1:59:37
2. Mauro Cuylits (BEL) – 1:59:37
3. Pau Marti Soriano (ESP) – 1:59:38 (+0:01)
4. Even Yemane (ERI) – 1:59:40 (+0:03)
5. Yafiet Mulugeta (ERI) – 1:59:40 (+0:03)
6. Hodei Muñoz Gabiña (ESP) – 1:59:40 (+0:03)
7. Eric Muhoza (RWA) – 1:59:40 (+0:03)
8. Matteo Vanhuffel (BEL) – 1:59:40 (+0:03)
9. Erazem Valjavec (SLO) – 1:59:40 (+0:03)
With Kretschy’s overall victory and Mulubrhan’s stage triumph, the 2026 Tour du Rwanda concluded as a showcase of international competition, tactical racing, and local fan enthusiasm across Kigali’s streets and Rwanda’s challenging terrain.
10. Oliver Mattheis (GER) – 1:59:40 (+0:03)
Stage 8 of the Tour du Rwanda 2026 took place in Kigali on Sunday, March 1, 2026.
Despite Ribeiro’s stage win, German rider Moritz Kretschy of the NSN Development Team maintained a narrow overall lead, holding a two-minute advantage over his closest competitor with one stage remaining, Stage 8, scheduled for Sunday.
With Stage 8 still to come, the overall title remains up for grabs, setting the stage for an exciting finale in the 2026 Tour du Rwanda.
Brazilian cyclist Henrique Bravo Ribeiro, 20, riding for the Soudal Quick-Step Development Team, claimed victory in Stage 7 of the Tour du Rwanda 2026.
Germany’s Moritz Kretschy continues to hold the yellow jersey, leading the general classification after another consistent performance.
Stage awards highlighted outstanding performances across different categories. The best team award was presented to the NSN Development Team by Inyange Industries. Mike Uwiduhaye of Benediction Banafrica Team received the most combative rider award, presented by Ingufu Gin Ltd.
The best Rwandan rider, recognised by BPR Bank, went to Samuel Niyonkuru (Team Amani). Eritrea’s Amaniel Desta of Team Amani earned both the best African rider award (presented by RwandAir) and the best young African rider award.
The best climber award went to Germany’s Miguel Heidemann (Rembe | rad-net), while the sprint classification was led by Belgium’s Mauro Cuylits (Lotto–Groupe Wanty).
The best young rider award, presented by Prime Insurance, was claimed by Desta Teweldemedhn Amaniel (Team Amani). The stage winner’s prize was presented by Amstel, and the yellow jersey holder continues to be awarded by Visit Rwanda.
The race will continue on Saturday, 28 February, with Stage 7, as riders depart Musanze at 11:00 a.m. heading for Kigali Pele Stadium via Gicumbi, covering 147.2 kilometres.
General classification after Stage 6
1 Kretschy Moritz (NSN Development Team): 17:48:00 2. Adamietz Johannes (Rembe | Rad-Net): +2:02 3. Desta Teweldemedhn Amaniel (Team Amani): + 2:18 4. Marivoet Scholiers Duarte (Lotto – Groupe Wanty): +2:32 5. Zomermaand Jurgen (Development Team Picnic Postnl): +4:07 . . . 9. Kudus Merhawi (Eritrea): +4:32 15. Mulueberhan Henok (Eritrea): +4:41 16. Niyonkuru Samuel (Team Amani): +4:59 23. Mugisha Moise (Benediction Banafrica Team): +5:57 25. Muhoza Eric (Team Amani): +8:06 26. Masengesho Vainqueur (Benediction Banafrica Team): +9:07
Itamar Einhorn has claimed stage 6 of Tour du Rwanda 2026.
The stage, which consisted of nine nine-kilometre loops around Rubavu, saw riders constantly jostling for position in what became a tense, high-speed race. In the final sprint, Zemke surged ahead to cross the finish line first in a time of 1:44:27, narrowly outpacing Israel’s Itamar Einhorn (NSN Development Team) and Eritrea’s Mulueberhan Henok, who finished just seconds behind.
Other riders who featured prominently in the Stage 5 sprint included Even Yemane (Bike Aid), Muñoz Gabiña Hodei (Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team), Pareta Sala Roger (Movistar Team Academy), Erazem Valjavec (Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team), Da Silva Avancini Henrique (Localiza Meoo / Swift Pro Cycling), Johannes Adamietz (Rembe | RAD-NET), and Mulgeta Yafiet (Eritrea), all finishing within a handful of seconds.
Stage 5 was a showcase of strategic riding and teamwork. German rider Moritz Kretschy (NSN Development Team) retained the coveted yellow jersey, continuing to lead the general classification after 663 kilometres of racing across the first five stages. Meanwhile, Jurgen Zomermaand (Development Team Picnic PostNL) held the distinction of the longest time spent in the lead during the race so far.
Several special awards were also presented after the stage. Eritrea was recognized as the Best Team by Inyange Industries, while Samuel Niyonkuru (Team Amani) received the Best Rwandan Rider honor from BPR Bank. Amaniel Desta (Team Amani) claimed both the Best African Rider and Best Young African Rider awards, while Miguel Heidemann (Rembe | RAD-NET) was acknowledged as the Best Climber. Desta Teweldemedhn Amaniel (Team Amani) was named Best Young Rider of the stage by Prime Insurance, and Mauro Cuylits (Lotto-Groupe Wanty) won the sprint award.
The victory for Zemke adds to a growing momentum for Rembe | RAD-NET in this year’s Tour du Rwanda, setting up an exciting Stage 6 on Friday. The next stage will cover 84.1 kilometres from Rubavu to Musanze, beginning at 1:00 PM local time.
Fans are eagerly anticipating whether Germany’s top riders will maintain their dominance or if local and African competitors will mount a challenge in the hilly northern terrain.
Stage 5 top 10 results
Jermaine Zemke (Rembe | RAD-NET) – 1:44:27
Itamar Einhorn (NSN Development Team) – +6s
Mulueberhan Henok (Eritrea) – +9s
Even Yemane (Bike Aid) – same time
Muñoz Gabiña Hodei (Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team) – same time
Pareta Sala Roger (Movistar Team Academy) – same time
Erazem Valjavec (Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team) – same time
Da Silva Avancini Henrique (Localiza Meoo / Swift Pro Cycling) – +2s
Johannes Adamietz (Rembe | RAD-NET) – same time
Mulgeta Yafiet (Eritrea) – same time
In the final sprint, Zemke surged ahead to cross the finish line first in a time of 1:44:27.The stage, which consisted of nine nine-kilometre loops around Rubavu, saw riders constantly jostling for position in what became a tense, high-speed race.
Riding for Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team, the 20-year-old showed composure and power in the closing meters to edge out Kretschy of NSN Development Team, capping off one of the most exciting stages of this year’s race.
Rambo climb proves decisive
The pivotal moment came on the Rambo climb at kilometre 111, a three-kilometre ascent positioned within the final 15 kilometres of the stage. De Clercq surged to take maximum mountain points ahead of Kretschy and Mauro Cuylits, tightening the battle at the front.
Matthijs De Clercq showed composure and power in the closing meters to edge out Kretschy of NSN Development Team.
With 20 kilometres remaining, De Clercq, Kretschy and Cuylits held a slender 20-second advantage over their nearest rivals, while the peloton trailed by five minutes and 30 seconds. Attacks soon began within the leading trio as each rider sensed an opportunity to break clear.
By the final 10 kilometres, De Clercq and Kretschy had distanced Cuylits by 50 seconds, with the chasing group sitting 1 minute and 40 seconds behind. The two leaders worked together before launching into a head-to-head sprint that saw the Belgian narrowly prevail on the line.
Kretschy takes the yellow jersey
Despite finishing second on the stage, Kretschy moved into the overall race lead and donned the coveted yellow jersey. Thanks to the time bonuses and the gap to the previous leader, Zomermaand, Kretschy successfully reclaimed the yellow for the NSN Development Team.
Kretschy moved into the overall race lead and donned the coveted yellow jersey.
The 23-year-old German becomes the fourth rider to wear yellow in four days, highlighting not only his strong performance today but also the strategic depth of his team.
Stage 4 top 10 results
Matthijs De Clercq (Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team) – 3:05:55
Moritz Kretschy (NSN Development Team) – 3:05:55
Luke Finlay Tarling (NSN Development Team) – +2:15
Jacob Bush (Development Team Picnic PostNL) – +2:15
Johannes Adamietz (Rembe | Rad-Net) – +2:15
Duarte Marivoet Scholiers (Lotto – Groupe Wanty) – +2:15
Merhawi Kudus (Eritrea) – +2:15
Sebastian Castro Castro (Movistar Team Academy) – +2:
Stage 5 awaits
The Tour du Rwanda continues on Thursday, February 26, with Stage 5 set for an 82-kilometre circuit in Rubavu. Riders will tackle a nine-kilometre loop nine times, starting at 3:00 PM, promising another tactical showdown as Kretschy defends the yellow jersey and De Clercq looks to build on his breakthrough victory.
After four stages, the race for overall glory remains wide open, and Rubavu has already delivered a thriller.
Riders covered 127.2 km from Karongi to Rubavu, ending in a thrilling sprint finish. Locals turned up in large numbers along the road to cheer the riders.
