Abuja, Nigeria – 3rd April 2025 | The 2025 Women’s African Volleyball Club Championship has returned to Abuja, Nigeria, for the first time in 29 years. Running from April 1st to 14th, the tournament features 16 of Africa’s top volleyball clubs competing for the continental title.
CAVB President Highlights Africa’s Volleyball Potential
During the official Technical Meeting, CAVB President and FIVB Vice President Bouchra Hajij emphasized her commitment to the development of volleyball in Africa, stating, “Africa has abundant talent, and we must work hard to progress.” She reaffirmed the CAVB’s dedication to fostering the sport and ensuring its continued growth across the continent.
Group Stage Draw and Kenya’s Representation
The highly anticipated group stage draw took place on April 2nd at the Exclusive Serene Hotel in Abuja. Kenya’s elite clubs, including Kenya Prisons, Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB), and Kenya Pipeline, are ready for fierce competition. Kenya Prisons, who last claimed the title in 2013, face defending champions Zamalek (Egypt), debutants Spiking Stars (Botswana), and Nigeria’s Chief of Naval Staff in Group B.
Local league champions and 2022 winners KCB will renew their rivalry in Pool C alongside record winners Al Ahly (Egypt), VC La Loi (Congo), and Sococim (Senegal).
Meanwhile, Kenya Pipeline, aiming for their first title since 2005, will compete in Group D with Rwanda National Police, Litto VC (Cameroon), and debutants Club Omnisports Descartes (Ivory Coast).
Pipeline, under the tutelage of Geoffrey Omondi, who was appointed as Malkia Strikers head coach last weekend, will be eyeing to finally lift the title they last won in 2005 after finishing second and third in 2023 and 2024, respectively..
Group ‘A’ has hosted Nigeria Customs Service, Mayo Volleyball Club of Cameroon, 2021 champions De Carthage from Tunisia and AP Rwanda, who stunned Pipeline 3-1 sets to win this year’s CAVB Zone Five Club Championship.
In the opening matches, Prisons face Zamalek Friday at 6pm, KCB plays La Loi at 8pm, while Kenya Pipeline opens their campaign against Rwanda National Police
Kenya Prisons Faces Defending Champions in Tough Opener.
Kenya Prisons, one of the nation’s most decorated clubs, will have a stern test in their opening match against defending champions Zamalek on April 4th at 8 PM (EAT).
Speaking ahead of the match to Afrosports, head coach Josp Barasa acknowledged the challenge ahead of Kenya Prisons’ opening match against the defending champions Zamalek, head coach Josp Barasa shared his thoughts on the competitiveness of the group.
“We are in a pool with Zamalek, the defending champions. We play them tomorrow at 8 PM. I hope to start well. The other team, CNS, is strong, and I can’t underestimate them. The same goes for Spiking Stars from Botswana, which is a new team.”
Summarised Group Stage Draw:
Pool A: Nigeria Customs, Mayo, APR, CFC
Pool B: Zamalek, Kenya Prisons, CNS, Spiking Stars
Pool C: Al Ahly, Kenya Commercial Bank, VC La Loi, Sococim
Pool D: Kenya Pipeline, Rwanda Police, Descartes, Litto.
Opening Day Fixtures:
CFC vs. APR – 1 noon(EAT)
Customs vs. Mayo – 7 PM (EAT)
April 4th Fixtures:
Kenya Prisons vs. Zamalek – 6 PM (EAT)
VC La Loi vs. KCB – 8 PM (EAT)
Rwanda Police vs. Kenya Pipeline – 8 PM (EAT)
