Cobra Volleyball Club defends men's crown at 32nd Aporu Okol in Kumi

Cobra men's volleyball club are the champions of the 32nd edition of the Aporu Okol International Volleyball Championships, which came to a climax on Sunday at Kumi Boma Grounds in Kumi Municipality, Eastern Uganda.

The South Sudan-based club, under the guidance of coach Malueth Mathiang, defeated tournament new entrants Cock Sherry Volleyball Club 3-1 (25-23, 15-25, 25-15, 25-18) to retain the men's title for the second consecutive year.

On the other hand, KCB Nkuma women's team shattered Cobra women's volleyball club 3-1 (25-18, 17-25, 25-23, 25-21).

"I want to thank God for bringing us this far to win this trophy once again. It's not easy to win a trophy twice in a row, but it is the Almighty Creator who has guided us," said Mathiang.

Derick Apuda, coach of Cock Sherry Volleyball Club, applauded Cobra for their spirited display, saying it was not their turn to win the trophy.

"This has been our first appearance in this tournament. Our players played a perfect game that's why you see that we were able to reach the finals. For that case, we shall now focus our minds on the other games ahead of us," Apuda added.

The patron of the Uganda Volleyball Federation (UVF), Christine Hellen Amongin, while speaking at the closure of the tournament, urged the government and all stakeholders to make the Aporu Okol tournament a developmental activity.

"It is our responsibility to preserve and celebrate the legacy of Dr. Aporu Okol through this tournament. He embodied discipline, excellence, leadership, and service, values that continue to guide the growth of volleyball in Uganda today," Amongin said.

The tournament, which gathered 64 teams from primary schools, secondary schools, clubs, corporate entities, and institutions, saw Bukedea Comprehensive School lift both the boys' and girls' titles at the secondary level. The boys' team edged Amus College School 2-1 in a thrilling final, while the girls' side overcame Katikamu by the same scoreline to complete a memorable double.

In the primary schools category, Baaza Primary School claimed the boys' championship, while Ngora Primary School emerged winners in the girls' division.

The Assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for Kumi District, James Akodai, urged the organizers of the late Dr. Aporu Okol tournament to make the event attractive and competitive nationally.

Akodai said the benefits of this tournament are not limited to the economic growth of Kumi District alone; they also extend to talent development across the country.

Winners

Primary

Boys

Bazaar

Girls

Ngora township

Secondary

Boys

BCS

Girls

BCS

Clubs

Men

Cobra Volleyball club

Women

KCB -Nkumba

Corporates

Centenary