Elphas Makuto leads Police VC to Liberation Cup glory
By Luke Oluoch, July 7, 2025Kenyan volleyball export Elphas Makuto has added another trophy to his name after clinching the 2025 Rwanda Liberation Cup on Sunday, July 6, 2025, in Rwanda.
Makouto, who plies his trade with the Rwanda Police Volleyball Club, marked the feat following a hard-fought 3-2 victory over APR in a clash staged at the Stade Kigali.
The former Kenya Prisons star switched to Rwanda to further his professional stint, which seems to be going well if his recent exploits are anything to go by.
He was recently named among the outstanding players in the league as Police claimed a silver finish in the league playoff after going down to APR in the men’s final in May 2025.
The win marked a sweet revenge for the side that had lost the league title to APR in the finals.
The high-riding law enforcers punched their ticket to the finals after edging rivals REG in a set of 3-2 in the semifinals.
Speaking to the Kenya Volleyball Federation during a past interview in May, the Kenyan spoke on his experience in Rwanda and the nation’s love for the game.
He opined that the diminutive nation had taken concerted efforts to not only professionalise the league but also raise internal standards.
“Every player must have a valid contract. No paper, no play. The federation follows up on welfare and holds clubs accountable. Even the courts? Strictly indoor, high standard. Outdoor volleyball is completely banned.”
“We must fully commit to indoor volleyball. In 2022/23, we did just that — and growth followed. Going back to outdoor is like switching off the lights and hoping to win in the dark,” he opined.
“Teams should know the full fixture list and venues before the season starts. No guesswork. Let’s align with CAVB and FIVB calendars. That’s how pros operate. If Kenya wants to play at the top, we have to start thinking like it,” he said in conclusion.