The 47th edition of the CAVB Men’s Club Championship concluded on Sunday, May 2, 2026, with Egyptian giants Al Ahly securing a record-extending 17th title.
The champions clinical performance saw them sweep Rwanda’s Police VC in straight sets, bringing an end to a high-octane fortnight of volleyball in Kigali.
After ten days of intensive coverage across two world-class venues, we look back at the highs and lows of the tournament in this definitive recap of the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly.
THE GOOD
- World-Class Infrastructure
This edition will be remembered as one of the most impeccably organized club championships in history. The dual-venue setup of the BK Arena and Petit Stade provided a stage that met international standards.
These facilities not only allowed athletes to compete at their peak but also offered fans a premium, immersive spectator experience.
- High quality Volleyball
The quality of the courts translated directly into the quality of play. The tournament was a masterclass in modern volleyball, characterised by towering monster blocks and gravity-defying digs. The electric atmosphere, fueled by a passionate Rwandan crowd, elevated the intensity of every rally.
- Home Turf Heroics
While playing under the weight of home expectations can often break a team, Rwanda’s representatives rose to the occasion.
Both Police Volleyball Club (silver) and REG Volleyball Club (bronze) finished on the podium, proving that the local game is a rising force on the continent.
- Investing in the Future
Ugandan representatives Sport-S and Nemostars utilised the continental stage to blood new talent.
Sport-S placed their trust in young setter Devis Ssuna, while Nemostars handed significant responsibilities to middle blocker Phillip Okumu. This commitment to youth development bodes well for the long-term prospects.
- Unprecedented Visibility
Unlike the women’s championship in Cairo, which suffered from limited coverage, the Kigali showpiece set a new bar for media accessibility.
Broadcast live on RTV and streamed via two dedicated YouTube channels, the tournament ensured that fans across the globe could follow every spike and serve.
THE BAD
- APR’s Premature Exit
Tournament hosts APR Volleyball Club failed to capitalise on their home advantage.
Despite a dominant 3-0 opening victory against Black Rhinos, the Army side lost momentum following a crucial defeat to Egypt’s Petrojet.
Finishing third in Pool A, they were unable to progress as deep into the tournament as many had predicted.
- Nemostars’ Round of 16 Collapse
After a stellar group stage where they topped Pool A, Uganda’s Nemostars faltered when it mattered most.
Their inability to neutralize Kenya Ports Authority’s (KPA) middle-court attack saw them crash out before the quarterfinals, a missed opportunity that will surely haunt the side.
- A One-sided Final
Following a series of grueling, closely contested knockout matches, the grand finale lacked the expected drama.
Al Ahly dismantled Police VC 3-0 with relative ease, clinching the trophy without ever needing to find their highest gear.
- The Absence of Northern Giants
The tournament suffered from a surprisingly low turnout from the Maghreb region. Only three teams Al Ahly (Egypt), Petrojet (Egypt) and FUS Rabat (Morocco) made the trip to Kigali.
Notably, the defending champions, Asswehly (Libya), were absent, depriving the competition of some traditional North African flair.
THE UGLY
- Sportsmanship Under Fire
In a tournament that was otherwise a model of professionalism, a sour note was struck by Kenya Ports Authority (KPA).
Following their quarterfinal loss to REG, the Kenyan side refused to attend the mandatory post-match press conference.
This breach of protocol was viewed by officials and media alike as a disappointing lapse in discipline and a departure from the spirit of fair play.
