In the opening fixture of the National Volleyball League between KAVC and Nkumba Navy in May, the former came out on top 3-2 (21-25, 25-15, 25-21, 20-25, and 15-8).
As the two sides faceoff in the second round on Saturday at Mubs in Nakawa, that defeat is still fresh in Nkumba’s minds.
“It’s a tie we had in our hands but failed to maintain our A game and got punished,” said Nkubma’s Kathberth Malinga.
“KAVC is a strong side and enjoying a run lately but we are equally strong and we can only prove that by picking points off them,” he added.
Last weekend KAVC defeated Gulu 3-0 (25-8, 25-18, 25-20), and Nemostars 3-0 to hold onto second position with 38 points on the 12 team log.
On the hand, third placed Nkumba fell 3-2 (21-25, 20-25, 25-20, 25-21, and 15-13) at the hands of Sky, the former lies third at 31 points, six points behind KAVC.
“Their (KAVC) block is effectively biting and that has been our area of concern,” Malinga said in reference to KAVC’s middle blockers Gabriel Yikita and Matthew Mwenyi.
But what gives 19 year old Malinga confidence that Nkumba have what it takes to pick a win over KAVC.
“Despite the Sky loss, we are in good shape as a win. Nepo (Mohamed) and Jackson Mari the drivers of our team have been urging us not to let this one pass, and we are determined not to.”
Table leaders Sport-S will be involved in the other fixture against Mulago while KCCA and Sky will be hosted by Gulu.
Men’s fixtures at Mubs
Sport-S vs Mulago – 12pm
Ndejje vs Sport-S Tigers – 2pm
KAVC vs Nkumba – 4pm
Men’s fixtures in Gulu
KCCA vs Gulu – 10am
Sky vs Gulu – 12pm
KCCA vs Sky – 2pm
Women fixtures at Mubs
Thunders vs KCCA – 12pm
Espoir vs Ndejje – 4pm
