A record 20 teams have confirmed participation in the 2025 CAVB Zone V Volleyball Club Championship, making it the largest edition in the competition’s history.
The tournament, now in its third edition, will be staged in Kampala from February 26 to March 4, with matches played at Lugogo Indoor Arena and Old Kampala Arena.
The increased number of teams marks a major step for the regional competition, which featured just 11 teams in its last edition in 2023.
Uganda secured hosting rights for this year’s edition after presenting the best bid, edging out Rwanda.
During a press briefing at the Uganda Olympic Committee offices on Monday, Uganda Volleyball Federation (UVF) President and CAVB Zone V head, Sadik Nasiwu, emphasized the significance of the championship’s expansion.
“This championship is growing, and the increase in participation is a testament to the rising competitiveness of volleyball in Zone V. It will provide a great platform for clubs to test themselves against the best,” Nasiwu said.
The tournament will feature top clubs from across the 12 Zone V countries, including Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi, and South Sudan.
Defending champions Rwanda National Police (men) and Kenya Pipeline Company (women) are among the confirmed teams.
Uganda will have five clubs in each category, including Sport-S, Nemostars, KCCA, and KCB-Nkumba.
Local Organizing Committee Chairman Joseph Odong confirmed that entries would close on February 21.
“The preparations are in high gear, and we are ensuring everything is in place before the technical committee meeting,” Odong stated.
The tournament will run daily from 10 am to midnight, with tickets going for UGX 10,000 per day. The event will also be live streamed for global audiences
Nine international referees will officiate matches, with local referees serving as scorers and line judges.
The CAVB Zone V Club Championship was first held in 2019 but has faced disruptions over the years.
The 2020, 2021, and 2022 editions were not held, while the 2024 tournament was also skipped.
The 2023 edition took place in Rwanda, where Rwanda National Police (men) and Kenya Pipeline Company (women) won the titles.
Confirmed Teams So Far:
Uganda: Nemostars, Sport-S, KCCA, KAVC, UCU Doves (Men); KCB-Nkumba, Ndejje University Elites, Vision Volleyball Camp, Sport-S, KCCA (Women)
Rwanda: Rwanda Energy Group, Armée Patriotique Rwandaise, Rwanda National Police (Men, defending champions), Rwanda National Police (Women)
Burundi: Rukinzo VC (Men)
Kenya: Kenya Pipeline Company (Women)
South Sudan: Cobra Sports Club (Men)
Tanzania: Jeshi Stars, Tanzania Prisons Services (Men), Tanzania Prisons Services (Women)
