Nkumba, Sport-S, KAVC eyeing Nemostars’ title

Nemostars trio Anthony Oleuko (L), George Aporu (C) and Louis Mubangizi try in vain to block a spike from Nkumba’s Cathberth Malinga in an NSSF National Volleyball League clash last year at the MTN Arena, Lugogo. Photo by ISMAIL KEZAALA

What you need to know:

Volleyball. Nemostars have made the second biggest title on the local volleyball scene their own for the last two years and a third straight title is what their nemeses are out to stop

KAMPALA.

No volleyball team outside KAVC (1993-1999) and Sport-S (2000-2002) has won the National Clubs Championship (NCC) three straight years.

But Nemostars have made the second biggest title on the local calendar their own for the past two years and a third straight crown is what their nemeses are out to stop.

“Of course we know everyone is out to stop Nemostars and it will be hard for us to defend the title for a second time,” setter Smith Okumu told SCORE.

“Nemostars lives for moments like these. No one gave us a chance last year yet we came out on top because of our mental fortitude. We are in better shape mentally and physically to defend our crown,” he added. While Nemostars are a chasing a third straight title, Sport-S, Nkumba Navy and KAVC are all desperate to land the coveted trophy that has eluded them since 2012, 2009, and 2004 respectively.

Record winners with 11 titles, KAVC are probably the hungriest, having lost in the last two finals to Nemostars and their last NCC title coming 11 years ago.

Only eight teams have won the title, the others being, UCU Doves, KCCA, Makerere University and Uganda Clays.
With the latter two off the Ugandan volleyball scene, UCU and KCCA should also be considered sides that can win this year’s edition outside Nemostars, KAVC, Sport-S and Nkumba.

“It’s not about either Sport-S, Nkumba, Nemostars or KAVC. Every team can come out on top, depending on the time they have invested in preparations. The more reason every team has to be taken seriously,” Sport-S’ skipper Dickens Otim notes.
Winning the championship also earns the winner a ticket to play at the African Clubs Championship.

In the women’s category, holders Vision Volleyball Camp (VVC) will have to keep an eye on former winners Ndejje Elites and Nkumba, not to mention the ever-improving Sport-S, if they are to defend their crown.

PAST WINNERS - MEN
2013-2014: Nemostars
2010-2002: Sport-S
2009: Nkumba
2008: Sport-S
2007: KCCA
2006: Sport-S
2005: UCU
2004: KAVC
2003: Not held
2001-2002: KAVC
2000: Mak Univ
1993-99: KAVC
1984-92: Uganda Clays
1983-82: KAVC