Volleyball clubs from nine countries are expected to grace this year’s NSSF KAVC International Volleyball Championship slated for August 4th – 6th at Lugogo Sports Complex in Kampala. This development confirmed at the tournament launch on Wednesday at Uganda Olympic Committee premises in Kampala.
The teams from the following countries are expected to compete at the tournament; Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan, Congo, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Initially the tournament attracted clubs from only the East African region but is now set to broaden its wings. Invites have been sent to various clubs.
The Chairperson of the tournament Local Organizing Committee, Olive Ekallam noted that having clubs from across the continent is a sign that the annual event, marking its 25th staging this year is headed for greater heights.
“We will have new teams joining us from Zimbabwe and Zambia and we pride to say that we are expanding the game of volleyball even wider,” Ekallam noted adding that they are confident the event will be successful.
Ekallam added that the tournament will be played at the national hockey stadium (day time) and at the indoor stadium (both day and night). Security at the venue is guaranteed as Uganda Police will be on the ground alongside the security personnel that always guard the premises.
Tournament Director, Sam Meya revealed that a primary schools’ event for the same championship will be held on 23rd July at Namugongo Vocational School. However, finalists from the event will play their finals during the finale of the championship (6th August) at the indoor stadium.
Kampala Amateur Volleyball Club (KAVC) President, Irene Kiconco noted that the aim of the NSSF KAVC International Volleyball Championship is to provide the best premier clubs in Uganda with affordable, high-level volleyball competitive environment through convergence of top teams from the region and beyond. The club marks 53 years of existence this year.
The club will also hold a community social responsibility (CSR) activity prior to the event as well as reveal all the tournament sponsors and partners.
However, last year, Rwandese team Armée Patriotique Rwandaise (APR) Volleyball Club won both the men and women’s title of the NSSF KAVC International Volleyball Championship after triumphing in the finals played at the MTN Arena, Lugogo in Kampala.
In what was the tournament’s 24th staging, APR teams came atop Ugandan sides in the final with their men’s team beating hosts and record winners (seven times) KAVC 2-3 in the last game of the tournament whilst their women’s side withstood pressure to beat six-time winners KCCA women’s VC 2-3 in the other final.
APR men’s team have three titles in the championship whilst their women’s side have one.
