The opening day of the highly-anticipated NSSF KAVC International Volleyball Championship was filled with excitement and intense gameplay as some of the top teams in the country and the region fought for victory on Friday at Lugogo Sports Complex in Kampala.
The opening day was for preliminary matches, some of which spilled into day two. Saturday will witness quarterfinals and semifinals being played with Sunday (finale) being the day for the finals and placement games.
In the opening matchday, the game between KAVC A and Uganda Christian University (UCU) women’s sides was one of the encounters that kept fans on their feet especially the hosts whose side later won the decisive set to claim a 2-3 victory later in the evening at the indoor stadium. KAVC claimed the first set with a 23-25 score with UCU posting the same score in set two to even matters. The hosts bounced back in set three with a score of 21-25 to reinstate their lead but they collapsed in set four as UCU posted a score of 25-11 to force a decisive set. KAVC had a good lead in set five but almost squandered it but the support from their fans ensured that they stood their ground to win the set 14-16.
Another interesting match was between Ugandan sides Equity VC and Sky VC. Albeit being home to veterans like Emma Kato, John Bosco Opendi and the like, the latter fell prey to the former off a 3-2 loss. Equity won the opening set 25-13 but Sky bounced back in style posting 18-25 and 20-25 in set two and three. However, Sky threw away a good lead towards the end of set four and Equity managed to force a decisive set after securing a set victory of 26-24. Equity later won the decisive set 15-12 to claim victory at the hockey grounds.
Women’s title holders Armée Patriotique Rwandaise (APR) Volleyball Club had a good show on Friday. In one of their games, they eased past KAVC B beating them in straight sets (08-25, 07-25,15-25). The Rwandan side played with incredible energy and tight coordination, making it difficult for their opponents to even catch a break. It was a decisive win, with the final score making it clear that this team is a force to be reckoned with.
Throughout the day, the matches were intense and competitive. Fans cheered on their respective teams as they battled it out on the court, giving it their all in hopes of emerging victorious.
But even with the high stakes on the line, the players never lost sight of the spirit of sportsmanship. Handshakes and congratulations were exchanged after every game, regardless of outcome, demonstrating the camaraderie and respect that exists within the volleyball community.
With so many talented teams on display, it’s impossible to predict who will emerge as the tournament champions. But if the first day of matches is any indication, we’re all in for a thrilling ride. Stay tuned for more updates as the tournament continues to heat up.
NSSF is the tournament lead sponsor. The partners are; Crown Beverages Limited, Ministry of Health, Good Life Pharmacy, NBS Sport, Uganda Volleyball Federation, National Council of Sports and Total Energies EP Uganda.
Below is the pictorial for day one of the three-day tournament.
