Uganda and Kenya Secure Dominant Wins in CAVB Zone V Qualifiers Opening Day

The CAVB Zone V Nations Championship Qualifiers commenced with a bang in Kampala, as both host nation Uganda and perennial powerhouse Kenya demonstrated their prowess to secure crucial opening-day victories. The tournament, a gateway to continental championships, featured thrilling action across both men’s and women’s divisions.

Kenya’s men’s team set the tone with a convincing 3-0 win over Tanzania. Despite a spirited effort from the Tanzanian squad, who endured a challenging two-day road journey to reach Kampala, they struggled to contend with Kenya’s offensive strength. Nicholas Matui, a standout player from the 2026 CAVB Men’s Club Championship, led the scoring with 16 points, guiding Kenya to a composed victory, though Tanzania put up a strong fight in the second set.

In the women’s competition, the Uganda Lady Volleyball Cranes delighted the home crowd by sweeping Burundi 3-0. With strong showings from key players like Catherine Ainembabazi, who contributed 12 points, the Lady Cranes controlled the match from start to finish, signaling their intent to claim the sole African championship ticket available to their group, which also includes South Sudan.

The ‘Volleyball Cranes’ (Uganda men) also started their campaign on a high note, defeating Burundi in straight sets. While the scoreboard suggested a straightforward win, Burundi offered a competitive challenge in the initial sets before Uganda found their rhythm. Muhamed Iga topped the scoring for Uganda with nine points.

This year’s qualifiers mark a significant advancement for the sport in the region with the successful implementation of the Video Challenge System (VCS), enhancing officiating accuracy and aligning with international standards. Action continues with more men’s fixtures, including a highly anticipated match between Uganda and South Sudan.