KCCA ready for African Club Volleyball Championship, says coach Bwenje

KCCA Women's Volleyball Club coach Edward Bwenje says his team is fully prepared to compete at the 2026 Women's African Club Volleyball Championship in Cairo, Egypt.

"The team is fully ready to compete. Fortunately, we have been preparing for both the playoffs and the African championship. Our main focus has been on handling taller blocks and strong serves at that level of competition," Bwenje said.

The Kasasiro Girls are the only Ugandan team registered for this year's tournament after Sport-S Volleyball Club, winners of the National Volleyball League, opted not to participate.

A total of 24 teams from 14 countries will feature in the competition, which will be hosted by Al Ahly from April 11 to 24, with teams arriving from Saturday.

KCCA's last continental appearance was in 1988, meaning this marks just their second foray into Africa's top club volleyball stage.

Bwenje, who stepped in after serving as assistant to Shilla Omuriwe, admitted the transition has not been easy, especially while the team is still engaged in the National League playoffs.

"I can say it has not been easy, but through God's guidance and teamwork from the technical staff, players, and management, I have adapted to the role," he explained.

KCCA will depart for Cairo on Sunday, the same day as the technical meeting and tournament draw. While early arrival is usually preferred, Bwenje says the team is prepared to manage the schedule.

"As a team, we are ready for any opponent since it has taken years to return to this tournament. Our expectations are to compete fully in every game and gain exposure from playing against top teams," he added.

The team is expected to rely on several key players, including captain Claire Najjuko, who recently represented Uganda at the Africa U-20 Championship, and libero Christine Asekenye, who anchors the team's backcourt defence. Other players with national team experience, such as Margret Namyalo, Joan Tushemeriwe, Moreen Mwamula, Eunice Amuron, and Bella Jepkirui, will also be critical to KCCA's chances.

"I believe every player has a big role to play, but at this level, confidence is key. Senior players who have competed at this stage before have a better chance to perform well," Bwenje noted.

KCCA will face tough opponents, including defending champions Zamalek Volleyball Club, as they aim to make their mark on the continental stage. Bwenje says the team is eager to learn and test itself against Africa's elite.

"The biggest challenge cannot be predicted until we reach Cairo. Weather conditions are always hot, and the opponents are strong, but we are excited to play against top teams and gain valuable experience," he said.

KCCA qualified for the continental competition after defeating Sport-S 3-0 in the National Club Championship final held in Gulu last year. The team has previously seen domestic success, winning the National Volleyball League in 2023 under Omuriwe, but was unable to participate in that year's continental tournament. This year presents a golden opportunity to showcase Ugandan talent at the highest club level.

The 2026 Women's African Club Volleyball Championship runs from April 11 to 24 in Cairo, Egypt. The draw will take place on Sunday, attended by African Volleyball Confederation president Beshri Hegazy, Egyptian Volleyball Federation president Yasser Qamar, and club delegates.

KCCA WVC Squad for ACC

Setters
Oliver Acan, Phiona Naziite

Middle blockers
Faith Magole, Agnes Akanyo, Mariam Nakato, Damali Okello

Receiver attackers
Margret Namyalo, Eunice Amuron, Claire Najjuuko, Bella Jepkirui

Opposite players
Joan Tushemeriwe, Moreen Mwamula

Liberos
Christine Asekenye, Varoline Aanyu

CAVB African Women’s Volleyball Club Championship participating teams

Uganda: KCCA

Rwanda: APR WVC, Police WVC

Egypt: Zamalek SC, Al Ahly SC, Alexandria SC

Kenya: Kenya Commercial Bank, Kenya Pipeline Company, Directorate of Criminal Investigation

Cameroon: Litto Team Volleyball, Mayo Kani Evolution

Nigeria: Nigeria Customs Service, Vipers and Partners VC

Zambia: Green Buffaloes VC, Leopards VC

Burundi: Gender Light Club

Côte d’Ivoire: Club Omnisport Descartes

Ethiopia: National Alcohol and Liquor Factory

Guinea: Bafing VC

Senegal: Sococim Team

Tunisia: Club Feminin de Carthage

DR Congo: VC Club La Loi, VC Les Aigles du Congo, VC Vita Club