Volleyball: KCCA Women look to make mark at Africa Club Championship

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Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Women’s Volleyball Club has successfully met the February 28 registration deadline for the 2026 Women’s African Club Volleyball Championship and has now shifted focus to preparations for the continental tournament in Cairo, Egypt.

KCCA manager Catherine Echoku confirmed that the club submitted all the required documents in time to secure their place in the competition.

“We were able to meet the registration deadline for the Africa Club Championship for ladies in Cairo and men in Kigali. It was not a big challenge to register, just putting our paperwork in order,” Echoku said.

The championship will take place from April 7 to 20 and will bring together top volleyball clubs from across the continent. KCCA qualified to represent Uganda alongside league champions Sport-S Volleyball Club.

February 28 was the final day for clubs to complete registration and submit their preliminary player lists, together with the required documentation, to the organisers.

KCCA head into the tournament with a change in the technical team after head coach Shilla Omuriwe Buyungo opted not to renew her contract with the club. Assistant coach Edward Bwenje will now take charge of the team from the touchline during the championship.

Echoku said preparations have remained stable, with both the men’s and women’s teams working closely together.

“The coaching now is much more coordinated, and the teams are working together as a unit. The men are helping the ladies and vice versa,” she explained.

KCCA will rely on several key players as they prepare for the continental challenge. Team captain Claire Najjuko, who recently represented Uganda at the Africa U20 Championship, is expected to lead the side alongside libero Christine Asekenye, who plays an important role in the team’s backcourt defence.

For the men’s side, Echoku highlighted Edrisa Kijambu, who also represented Uganda at the U20 level, and opposite hitter Muhammed Iga, known for his powerful left hand.

As part of their preparations, the club is focusing on boosting confidence within the squad and strengthening their defensive blocks to compete with Africa’s top volleyball clubs.

“Enough preparation and building confidence in the team. Work on the blocks will be magic to overcome the African powerhouse,” Echoku said.

Participation in the championship is also seen as an opportunity to give players international exposure and help them develop their careers.

“Participating in this championship gives the KCCA volleyball club players experience to play against other African teams, exposure and learn how to prepare themselves for the big stage. When they win, they are assured of flying out of the country to expose their talents. Some of the players may even go professional and change their lives,” she added.

The club has also placed emphasis on strengthening team chemistry, with both the men’s and women’s teams training, travelling and supporting each other.

“The team chemistry is now strong because both teams work together in training and on match days. They travel together, eat together, and when one doesn’t have games, they go and support each other,” Echoku said.

KCCA last played at the continental level in 1988 when the club travelled to Ethiopia, meaning the upcoming championship will mark its second appearance in the competition.

The 2026 Women’s African Club Volleyball Championship will be held in Egypt, with Zamalek Club entering the tournament as defending champions after beating Al Ahly 3–2 in last year’s final.

Meanwhile, preparations are also underway for the 2026 African Men’s Volleyball Club Championship, which will be hosted in Kigali, Rwanda, from April 20 to May 3.

The African Volleyball Confederation (CAVB) recently confirmed Rwanda as host of the 47th edition of the men’s championship following a strategic meeting between CAVB president Bouchra Hajij and Rwanda’s Minister of Sports. The discussions focused on logistics, sports infrastructure and coordination to ensure a successful continental event.