17th KAVC Tourney (Final Results)
Women: Nkumba University (Uganda) 3-2 KAVC (Uganda) – (25-20, 22-25, 25-13, 17-25, 15-13)
Men : Inatek (Rwanda) 3-1 Administration Police (Kenya)- (25-14, 25-20,24-26, 25-13)
Ugandan side, Nkumba University ladies Volleyball team defied all the odds as it won its maiden title at the annual NSSF KAVC International Volleyball tourney after beating the tournament hosts, KAVC 3-2 in a pulsating final played at the confines of the Lugogo Indoor Stadium.
“We are proud and this is a self-manifestation of dedicated team work”, Tonny Lakony, Nkumba University head coach said after the final that took close to an hour.
Nkumba University, whom alongside compatriots, Ndejje had just received a wild card to participate in the 17th Edition of the tourney that has been previously been dominated by Uganda’s Premier Volleyball clubs, never disappointed and indeed lived up to the high billing of the tourney. KAVC twice rallied from behind to level the sets 2 all, but it was Nkumba University who had the last laugh with a 15-13 triumph in the last decisive set.
It was a Kenyan-Rwandan affair in the men’s final as Rwanda’s Inatek claimed the men’s championships winning 3-1 over the tall and fast Kenyan opposition. Inatek will have to shower special praise to forwards Bosco Mutabazzi and Christopher Mukunzi plus the tourney’s Most Valuable player, Olivia Ntagendwa for the spirited and gallant display towards winning this 2 day international championship that drew teams from Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda. This was also Inatek’s first NSSF-KAVC titleon their second attempt.
Speaking before the main men’s final, the Chairman of the local organizing committee, who is also the President of KAVC, Mohfat Masaba appreciated all the stake holders who helped to organize a successful tournament.
“I thank the teams (both local and international), the sponsors, the hosting venues (National Council of Sports, Namboole and MUBS), the media, security, the fans and the tournament local organizing committee”, he said.
Uganda Volleyball Federation President, Sadqik Nasiwu: “We call upon more sponsors, volleyball is a worthy sport” while the National Social Social Security Fund (NSSF) Managing Director, Richard Byarugaba pledged to support the event further. “We shall continue to support the tournament. We see volleyball as a very good strategy for making people fit”.
State Minister of Sports,Charles Bakabulindi hailed the high level of competition among all the participating teams. “Sports is dynamic, transforming from amateur levels to professional is a necessity. Last year’s tourney winners are not in the final, this means the game is not monopolistic”, he said.
The 2 day tourney that included exhibition matches for the disabled and the youth was held along the theme: “Championing community health and behavior through sports”. At the tourney’s official launch days prior the event, Byarugaba stressed the value of talent development among the youth and other special groups.
NSSF, for the 6th year running has proudly funded the tourney.This year’s event was funded up to the tune of Ug shs 25 M. Other sponsors were Crown Beverages under the Mirinda Brand, AAR , Rwenzori Mineral Water, TASO, Rocks Electronics and 9 Degrees Entertainment hub along Kampala road, where the fans and players were hosted at the after party merry-making till the wee hours of the night.
Individual Prizes (Women):
MVP: Agaba Astredde (Nkumba University)
Best Defender and Receiver: Flavia Nandawula (Nkumba University)
Best Server: Faridah Namajja (Nkumba University)
Best Setter: Aminah Naluyima (Nkumba University)
Best Blocker: Irene Adeke (KAVC)
Best Attacker: Agaba Astredde (Nkumba University)
Men: MVP:Ntagendwa Olivia
Best Blocker and Attacker: Olivia Ndagwanwa (Inatek)
Best Reciever: Bosco Ntabazzi (Inatek)
Best Server: Nicolas Dheyongera (Sky)
Best Setter: H. Agehdura (Inatek)
Best Defender: Emma Elanyu (KAVC)
Record winners
Men: KAVC (5)
Women: KAVC (8)
