This Saturday, NEMOSTARS will face OBB in the National volleyball league finals at the old Kampala arena in Kampala.
First timers in the cup but OBB has proved to be a side any team would think twice before underestimating as it has managed to silence a couple of the big boys in the local league.
OBB will take home an opportunity to represent the pearl at the Club Championships if they manage to beat the Nemo. This in itself is history being their maiden shot at the challenge and their debut year in top flight volleyball.
OBB boosts of experienced, and capable players like setter John Bosco Opendi who possesses a keen touch to game reading and easy bonding with his attackers. National team libero Sharif Nabanji who has improved at all aspects of his cover and presence all over the court.
If their most recent finals are a score to go by, both teams have lost. The last time OBB played in a final was against relegated side Airforce VC as they clashed for the Serie B title. OBB earned it’s promotion through the back door.
However, this didn’t stop the Iganga side from thriving as “game changer” signings were made ahead of their league debut.
Among the notable signings were, Skipper Rajabu Kimera who joined from Ndejje University, Sudanese National Salva Marial Muothic from Nkumba and Atama Saviour opposite hitter from Rwanda Energy group.
On the other side, Nemostars are six time winners of the trophy and are defending champions having lifted their first title in 2012.
Just like OBB, Nemo too lost their most recent final in the national club Championships to rivals Sport-S a team that OBB dominated to earn a spot in this year’s national league finals.
Nevertheless, nemostars are also a force to reckon at such a time when the “big dogs” of the league are being dominated and outplayed.
The presence of National captain George Aporu in their squad has always deemed the team fit to counter any opponent. From the confidence he builds among teammates to his ability to break everytime they are possessed.
The experience of gems like national team setter Smith Okumu at bettering the ball for a hit and agility of volatile players like Jonathan Tumukunde and Bernard Malinga in Nemo’s attack will surely give OBB a rough time.
Head to head
The teams have only met twice. Both have won and lost at the hands of each other.
Their second clash in the NVL seemed like a “beat me I beat you” situation. A resilient Nemo fought hard to own the day by winning through a 15 point decider.
The first four sets were shared in equal portions 25-23, 22-25, 25-21, 21-25 and 15-11 seperated the boys in favor of Nemo.
