NSSF KAVC International Tournament launched

APR players celebrate winning last year's NSSF KAVC International Tournament /COURTESY PICTURE

VOLLEYBALL NSSF KAVC International Tournament launched

Ndyamuhaki J Emanzi 15:05 - 05.07.2023

The tournament is one of Uganda's primary activities on the calendar and is now expected to attract teams from beyond the East African borders.

The 25th edition of the NSSF KAVC International Tournament was launched Wednesday morning in Kampala, with one month left to the start of the action.

Having run for the first time in 1995, the event will celebrate its 25th edition by focusing on better community health and behaviour through sports.

New KAVC President Irene Kiconco revealed that: "The main aim of the NSSF KAVC International is to provide the best premier clubs in Uganda with an affordable high-level volleyball competitive environment, through a convergence of the region's top teams."

The tournament is one of Uganda's primary activities on the calendar and is now expected to attract teams from beyond the East African borders.

Zimbabwe and Zambia are some of the countries expected to send representatives to the 2023 edition that volleys off on September 4th at the Lugogo Hockey Grounds and Indoor Stadium.

The University of Zimbabwe and NABA Volleyball Club from Zimbabwe are expected to present both men's and women's teams for the competition.

Green Buffaloes Volleyball Club and Lusaka Wolves from Zambia are also set to grace the tournament.

Teams from Rwanda, APR (men and women) dominated the tournament last year, beating KAVC and KCCA, respectively, to go home with the prize.

The two have already confirmed their interest of defending their trophies and will give Ugandan sides a run for their money.

Top Uganda teams invited

Since the last KAVC Invitational, Sport-S and KCCA have gone on to win the National Volleyball League in the men's and women's categories, respectively.

NSSF KAVC International Tournament Chairperson Olive Ekalam and KAVC President Irene Kiconco address the press on Wednesday /COURTESY PICTURE

The two skipped the recently-concluded Rwanda Genocide Memorial Tournament in Kigali but have been invited to face off with the region's best.

Sport-S has skipped the previous editions of the tournament, citing scheduling issues, and it remains to be seen whether they will feature this year.

NSSF, Palisa Agro-Processors, Crown Beverages, Uganda Breweries Limited and DHL Uganda are the tournament sponsors.

NSSF KAVC International Tournament

Invited teams

Men: KAVC, KCCA, Uganda Prisons, OBB, Uganda Police, Western Team, SKY, Elyon, Sport-S

Women: KAVC, Ndejje, Nkumba, KCCA, Espoir, OBB, COBAP, VVC Sport-S, UPDF