Ugandan Volleyball Clubs Nemostars and Sport-S Gear Up for Kigali Continental Debuts

Ugandan volleyball fans have their eyes on Kigali as Nemostars and Sport-S prepare for the CAVB Africa Men’s Club Championship, running from April 20 to May 3. The tournament marks Sport-S’s first continental appearance, while Nemostars returns with seasoned players.

Sport-S earned their spot by defeating KCCA in the national semi-finals. Nemostars faced drama when their national finals place was revoked over player eligibility issues raised by Elyon, prompting a complaint to the National Council of Sports. Despite this, both teams are focusing on the 13-day event with over 30 teams, including four from host Rwanda.

Nemostars debuted in 2013 and has competed eight times, with setter Smith Okumu and George Aporu as constants. Their best finish was sixth in 2019 in Cairo. Last year in Libya, they placed 19th. Okumu stresses the value of international exposure, noting it has helped dominate local leagues, including titles in 2015, 2017, and 2018.

The team has trained indoors at Lugogo Stadium to adapt from Uganda’s mostly outdoor league play. Okumu targets advancing from the group stage in the expanded 32-team format with eight pools of eight.

Sport-S, celebrating 30 years and fresh off a seventh league title, brings captain Dickens Otim, a 38-year-old debutant with accolades like three-time MVP. Players like Jonathan Tumukunde and Moses Odeke add prior continental experience from 2019. Otim aims for pool wins to progress.

KCCA withdrew, leaving Uganda with two reps. East African teams dominate entries: Kenya’s GSU, KPA, Equity; Tanzania’s JKT, Jeshi Stars, Prisons. Libya’s Al-Swehly defend their 2025 title.

The event’s first time in East Africa has drawn record numbers, revising the format and scrapping lower final classifications.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)