KCCA Men’s Volleyball Club will not feature at the 47th CAVB Men’s African Club Championship, pulling out late despite the tournament attracting a record number of teams.
The competition, set for April 22 to May 3 in Kigali, will host 30 clubs, the largest field in its history. But even as African volleyball expands, KCCA’s men will be watching from home.
The club cited a lack of funds, choosing instead to prioritise its women’s team currently competing in Cairo. Supporting two squads at continental level proved too costly.
It is a tough blow for the players, who had hoped to test themselves on the big stage. Still, the group has stayed focused, returning to training and shifting attention to the next season.
KCCA’s withdrawal leaves Uganda with two representatives, debutants Sport-S Volleyball Club and experienced side Nemostars Volleyball Club.
The championship itself will look different this year. The Confederation of African Volleyball has expanded the format to accommodate demand, placing teams into eight groups with the top two advancing to the knockout stage.
Classification matches for teams ranked 17th to 30th have been removed, with positions instead determined by a ranking system to ease scheduling.
Beyond the title, the tournament also serves as Africa’s qualifier for the FIVB Men’s Club World Championship.
