Uganda National Volleyball Playoff Finals | Sunday | Game 2
- Sport- S Vs Nemostars – Old Kampala Arena | 5 PM
In the wake of an explosive Game One in the 2025 Uganda National Volleyball League Playoffs, the Sports Organizing Committee (SOC) has taken a bold step to restore trust and integrity to the game.
Andrew Ekusai, the SOC Chairman, has confirmed that line judges will be deployed for Game Two of the men’s final between Sport-S and Nemostars, scheduled for this Sunday, May 25 at Old Kampala Arena.
“We shall use line judges for Game 2,” Ekusai announced, delivering a strong message to players, coaches and fans alike that the committee is listening and determined to ensure fair play.
This development comes after a highly charged Game One, in which Sport-S defeated Nemostars 3-1, a victory marred by accusations of poor officiating.
Despite the intensity and skill on display, post-match conversations were dominated not by tactics or technique but by the referee’s calls.
Nemostars captain George Aporu voiced his frustrations in no uncertain terms.
“It was an interesting game that didn’t end in our favour. The poor officiating even made it worse with very poor calls being made at very crucial moments,” he said.
Head coach Tom Amou took a more diplomatic route, refusing to dwell on the refereeing but subtly acknowledging its impact.
“From my side as a coach, I wouldn’t like to comment on the refereeing,” he stated. “But rather focus on the team and what we can do better irrespective of good or bad refereeing.”
Sport-S coach Warren Muhangi, however, waved off the claims. “It was normal officiating. Normal quarrels but not biased!” he said.
Yet the intensity of the complaints, coupled with the high stakes of the playoffs, prompted the SOC to act. The introduction of line judges is a critical shift one that could change not just the tone of Game Two, but also its outcome.
Game One itself was a dramatic, hard-fought encounter. Sport-S seized control early and maintained their momentum, while Nemostars only truly came to life in the fourth set.
Their late resurgence offered a glimpse of what they’re capable of and a warning to their rivals that they’re not done yet.
Now, heading into Game Two, the narrative has expanded. It’s no longer just about who can spike harder or block smarter.
It’s about trust in the system and thanks to Ekusai’s intervention, there is renewed confidence that the game will be decided not by whistles but by talent.
Meanwhile, the women’s playoff series saw Sport-S overpower KCB Nkumba Volleyball Club in a 3-0 sweep but their Game One celebrations were tempered by concern.
Star player Hillary Akankunda was helped off the court after a painful fall, casting doubt on her availability for Game Two.
Nkumba, down but not out, will be fighting to stay alive in what is shaping up to be an entertaining Sunday with Game Two.
