APR Volleyball Clinches Historic Double at Zone V Championships in Kampala

The CAVB Zone V Club Championship concluded in thrilling fashion in Kampala last night, with Rwanda’s APR Volleyball Club dominating both the men’s and women’s finals to secure a remarkable double triumph.

Men’s Final: APR Dethrones Police VC

In the men’s final, APR VC overcame defending champions Police VC of Rwanda with a commanding 3-1 victory (24-26, 25-19, 25-18, 25-21).

APR VC started strong, clinching the first set 26-24, capitalizing on their sharp attacks — recording 18 errors against Police vc’s 16. However, Police bounced back in the second set, leveling the game with a 25-19 win, thanks star hitter Hakeem misplaced serve.

The third set saw APR assert their dominance further, taking it comfortably at 25-18. Police VC struggled with a series of errors, unable to counter APR’s resolute blocking system.

The fourth set was a nail-biter, tied at 17-17 midway through. But “Hakeem the Dream” had other ideas, launching a series of cross-court strikes. APR stretched the lead to 24 before sealing the match with a final block, winning 25-21 and claiming the Zone V men’s title.

Women’s Final: APR Women Outlast Kenya Pipeline

On the women’s side, APR Women dethroned defending champions Kenya Pipeline VC with a hard-fought 3-1 victory (24-26, 25-19, 18-25, 21-25).

Despite Kenya Pipeline’s strong showing in the second set — tying the game 1-1 with a 25-19 win — APR’s superior blocking and well-coordinated attacks led by their dynamic offense ultimately secured their title. APR’s ability to counter Pipeline’s attacks, especially in the crucial fourth set, proved the difference, winning it 25-21.

3rd Place Playoffs: REG and Sport-S Battle It Out

In the men’s third-place playoff, Rwanda Energy Group (REG) edged out Uganda’s Sport-S VC with a 3-1 win (25-23, 25-22, 21-25, 25-21). The “prodigal son” Thon Maker Magembo was instrumental, spiking off REG’s attacks and neutralizing Sport-S’s middle attacker Tumukunde.

Sport-S rallied in the third set, winning 25-21 to keep their hopes alive, but unforced errors — including a crucial net serve by Malinga — handed REG the fourth set and the victory.

For the women’s third-place match, Sport-S Ladies emerged victorious against KCB Nkumba VC in a thrilling five-set battle (25-08, 25-21, 22-25, 18-25, 20-18). Despite a strong comeback from KCB Nkumba, Sport-S held their nerve in the deciding set to clinch the bronze.

A Successful Tournament for Uganda

The third edition of the CAVB Zone V Club Championship was hailed a resounding success, thanks to the stellar efforts of the local organizing committee led by Nasiwu Sadik. The closing ceremony, attended by distinguished guests including FIVB-CAVB Development Commission Member Fernand Sauveur Ruterana , Uganda Volleyball Federation President Hadija Namanda and AMBASSADOR ERNEST RWAMUCYO, saw the top teams and standout players receive well-deserved awards Paul Akan, APR’s Ghanaian setter, also shone brightly, being named the MVP in the men’s category for his exceptional playmaking and tactical brilliance, the ladies side Diane Mpuhwezimana played a pivotal role, not only guiding APR to the title but also earning double honors as the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Best Setter.

With APR Volleyball Club celebrating their historic double victory and Uganda showcasing its hosting prowess, the Zone V Championships highlighted both the growing competitiveness of regional volleyball and the sport’s promising future.