Dickens Otim kept it simple after Sport-S’ Volleyball Club comeback win, change the mindset and everything follows.
The captain pointed to belief as the difference as the Ugandan side beat Equity Bank Volleyball Club 3-1 in the Africa Volleyball Men’s Club Championship at Petit Stade in Kigali on Thursday.
After a shaky start and a 15-25 loss in the first set, Sport-S responded strongly, taking the next three 25-21, 25-7, 25-6.
“It’s about the mindset,” Otim said. “In the first set, we looked a bit down. But once the belief came in, everything started working.”
Playing on the continent’s biggest club stage for the first time, Otim admitted the nerves were real.
“It takes your whole career to get here,” he said. “I’m just grateful for the opportunity.”
Those early nerves showed. Sport-S struggled to settle, while Equity Bank controlled the opening set. But the Ugandans grew into the match.
“The boys needed time to gain confidence,” Otim explained. “Once we told ourselves this is a battle, we stepped up.”
From then on, Sport-S took control. Their serves improved, the blocks held firm, and their attacks found rhythm. Equity Bank faded as the match slipped away.
Head coach Malic Ddamulira welcomed the win but admitted there were lessons from the slow start.
For Otim, the focus is forward.
“Winning the first game lifts the confidence,” he said. “Now we take it one game at a time. The next one, we go for the win.”
