Volleyball team focuses on chemistry and new style ahead of CAVB Zone V qualifiers

Uganda Men's National Volleyball team head coach Shilla Omuriwe says the team has focused on building chemistry and adapting to a new style of play ahead of the CAVB Zone V Qualifiers, set to take place at Lugogo Indoor Stadium.

The Uganda Volleyball Federation (UVF) will host the CAVB Zone V African Nations Volleyball Championship qualifiers for both men and women from Sunday to June 6 in Kampala.

"We have mainly worked on team chemistry, system of play, and quickly changing the players' mindset into the style we want them to play," Omuriwe said.

The tournament is expected to attract strong teams from Kenya, Egypt, Rwanda, Tanzania, Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Somalia, and Burundi.

Omuriwe named her final 14-man squad after trimming a provisional list of 29 players following weeks of training and assessment.

She said the team's preparation has been positive, with senior players helping younger ones settle quickly.

"We have had good preparations and the players are responding well. The senior players have helped the young ones settle quickly, and I believe we now have a balanced squad ready to compete," she added.

A total of 15 players were dropped after the selection process. They include: William Opoya, Kathbert Malinga, Cosmos Elijah Apunyo, Mark Ochan Omara, Esau Ecil, Nicholas Agaba, Happy Ayebale, Joel Otim, Ian Akampa, Lambert Okwii, Silver Owinjo, Geoffrey Onapa Onen-can, Emmanuel Ochom, Devis Ssuuna, and Hussein Juma Adome.

"I believe in the squad. It is a mixture of experienced players I have worked with before and young players coming through. I am excited to work with the juniors in the team and am working hard to make sure they mix and cope," she explained.

Uganda's final squad includes three professional players based abroad: Gideon Angiro (Police Rwanda), Marino Oboke (Kepler Rwanda), and Daudi Okello (Qatar). The receiver hitters are Gideon Angiro, George Herbert Aporu, Duke Philip Kyomukama, and Jonathan Tumukunde. The setters are Marino Oboke and Smith Okumu, who will control distribution and game tempo.

At opposite, Uganda will depend on Mohammed Iga and Daudi Okello for scoring power in key moments. The middle blockers are Owen Muzafaru Omoding, Bosco Opila, Willington Talemwa, and Bernard Malinga, tasked with blocking and net defence.

In defence, the libero position is occupied by Emmanuel Elanyu and Sharif Nabanji, who will handle reception and floor coverage.

Omuriwe will be assisted by first assistant coach Joshua Osiya and second assistant coach Tom Paul Amou.

According to the CAVB format, winners from each of the six zones will qualify directly for the African Senior Nations Championships, joined by the host nation and additional teams selected through ranking and registration.

The women's African Nations Championship will be staged in Nairobi, Kenya, from August 23 to September 5, while the men's edition will be held in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, from September 7 to 21.

The championship will also contribute to qualification pathways for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles and the 2027 FIVB World Championships. The winner of the Zone V tournament will automatically qualify for the 2026 African Nations Volleyball Championship in Kinshasa.

Volleyball Cranes squad

Receiver Attackers
Gideon Angiro Nepal
George Herbert Aporu
Duke Philip Kyomukama
Jonathan Tumukunde

Liberos
Emmanuel Elanyu
Sharif Nabanji

Setters
Marino Oboke
Smith Okumu

Opposites
Mohammed Iga
Daudi Okello

Middle Blockers
Owen Muzafaru Omoding
Bosco Opila
Willington Talemwa
Bernard Malinga