Sport-S and Nemostars discover opponents as CAVB championship kicks off

Sport-S Volleyball Club head coach Malic Demulira has admitted his team faces a difficult challenge after being drawn in a strong Pool B on their debut at the CAVB Men's African Club Volleyball Championship in Kigali.

Sport-S will compete against Al Ahly, Kepler VC, Cameroon Sport Volleyball, Equity Volleyball Club, and AS Injis.

Demulira described the group as one of the toughest but said it offers his players a chance to grow.

"We are in a very strong group with experienced teams like Al Ahly. But this is the level we wanted. We shall compete, learn, and fight for every point," he said.

Sport-S opens their campaign against Egyptian giants Al Ahly on Thursday. The North African side finished third last year and are among the favourites.

"Al Ahly are experienced and strong, but we shall stay organised, serve well, and defend as a unit to compete effectively," Demulira added.

He stressed that the team is not in Kigali just to participate.

"Our target is to compete strongly, gain experience, and, if possible, fight for a place in the knockout stage," he said.

Sport-S are one of two Ugandan teams at the tournament, alongside Nemostars Volleyball Club, who are in Pool A.

Nemostars have been drawn against hosts APR Volleyball Club, Petrojet Sport Club, Litto Team Volleyball Club, National Customs Service Volleyball Club, and Black Rhinos Volleyball Club.

APR, who finished fourth last year, are favourites to top the group, although the pool remains competitive.

Nemostars head coach Godfrey Owese Okumu said the draw presents a big test but believes his side is ready.

"The group is tough with strong teams, but we have experience at this level. We respect every opponent, prepare well, and believe we can compete for qualification," he said.

Nemostars enter the championship as one of Uganda's most experienced clubs on the continent. They made their debut in 2013 after winning the national league in 2012 and have since featured in several editions.

Their best performance came in 2019 when they finished sixth in Egypt. However, they will be aiming to improve on last year's 19th-place finish in Libya.

The team has strengthened its squad with players like Daudi Okello, Emma Elanyu, Mark Omara, Hussein Adome, and Titi Okumu as they target a better showing in Kigali.

This year's tournament is also historic as it is the first time the championship is being hosted in East Africa, giving regional teams a sense of home advantage.

Meanwhile, the 47th edition has introduced key changes. The number of teams has been reduced from 30 to 24 following withdrawals, while substitutions per set have increased from six to eight.

The changes were confirmed by Sanga Issouf Kone from the FIVB during the technical meeting on Tuesday. The new rule is expected to improve tactical flexibility and player management.

The tournament will begin with group matches before moving to knockout stages, with teams also competing for a place at the FIVB Men's Club World Championship.

Pools for the CAVB Men's African Club Volleyball Championship

Pool A

    APR Volleyball Club (Rwanda)

    Litto Team Volleyball Club (Cameroon)

    National Customs Service Volleyball Club (Nigeria)

    Black Rhinos Volleyball Club (Zimbabwe)

    Nemostars Volleyball Club (Uganda)

    Petrojet Sporting Club (Egypt)

Pool B

    Al Ahly (Egypt)

    Cameroon Sport Volleyball (Cameroon)

    Kepler Volleyball Club (Rwanda)

    Sport-S Volleyball Club (Uganda)

    AS Injis (Ivory Coast)

    Equity Volleyball Club (Kenya)

Pool C

    FUS Rabat (Morocco)

    Kenya Ports Authority Volleyball Club (Kenya)

    Wolaitta Dicha Volleyball Club (Ethiopia)

    Prisons Service Volleyball Club (Tanzania)

    Police Volleyball Club Rwanda (Rwanda)

    Ghana Army Volleyball Club (Ghana)

Pool D

    General Service Unit Volleyball Club (Kenya)

    Port Autonome de Douala Volleyball Club (Cameroon)

    Atlético Clube do Mindelo (Cape Verde)

    Rukinzo Volleyball Club (Burundi)

    Kalibi Sporting Club (Ghana)

    Rwanda Energy Group Volleyball Club (Rwanda)