Sport-S 2-3 UCU Doves (23-25, 25-18, 25-18, 24-26, 14-16)
In a stunning five-set match, the UCU Doves have secured their place as contenders in the volleyball finals, defeating Sport-S in a nail-biting finish (2-3).
The Doves have soared above the competition this season, embodying the peaceful yet resilient traits of their namesake.
With a combination of adaptability, intelligence, and teamwork, the Doves have overcome the odds and proven themselves to be a force to be reckoned with.
The Mukono based University team secured a significant win against Sport-S, one of the favorites to win the national volleyball league title.
Captain Vincent Odeke spoke with a Afrosports after the game, to discuss the match and the team’s prospects going forward.
“As a leader, I thank God for all he has planned for us and keep praising him. The team is respectful and grateful for what we have. We thank the University for the opportunity they have given us,” Odeke started.
The UCU captain acknowledged the team’s mistakes but maintained a positive outlook, emphasizing the importance of respecting the opposition while not being intimidated by them.
“We had some service errors in the game and that cost us so much and Sport-S are really a composed team since they have played together for years, unlike us, but it doesn’t mean that we should play in fear of them,” he said.
The Doves faced a tough challenge in the match, losing the second and third sets and falling behind by three points early on.
“The boys froze up in the second and third set since our opponents led us by three points and failed to catch up. It dragged our shoulders down, and we lost focus, but we managed to calm ourselves down and settle the game,” Odeke explained.
Despite the setback, the team managed to regroup and stage a comeback in the fourth set, coming from five points down to derail Sport-S at 10-15.
“Our team is composed of young athletes who have never experienced such tension, so some of us have to come in, talk the pressure down, and calmly try to make them comfortable and confident. That’s how we managed to lift ourselves up and fight the fortitude,” Odeke added.
Vincent highlighted the team’s resilience and the importance of remaining composed under pressure.
In the end, UCU emerged victorious, winning the game 3-2 after a series of dramatic moments.
“I feel so excited and proud of the team. It’s been a process. We set our target ever since we went for the Aporu tournament last year, and have trained so hard.”
Looking ahead to the next game, Odeke expressed confidence in his team’s abilities.
“Of course, I do mind game three. Why would we play game three yet we know how to finish the tie real quick,” he concluded.
With UCU just one win away from claiming the title, the team will be looking to build on their performance and secure victory in the next match.
The team is composed of university students who are at different stages of their academic journey.
This may explain why their progress has been unstable, going from surviving relegation in the previous season to now being in the finals against the top-ranked team.
The addition of Nespal Angiro to the team has been a significant advantage, particularly for their attacking line, which suffered a loss at the start of the season when Marvin left to join KCCA.
Unfortunately, Nespal’s presence in the future is uncertain, leaving the UCU Doves with the challenge of winning their first league title now or never.
UCU made many service errors and I think they took notice/ homework. We (UCU) would have taken all the first 3 sets if it wasn’t those errors. Angiro is good but he should up his game.
UCU setter should also apply some logic,you can’t give 3 consecutive good balls to Angiro and yet you see the 3man block the other side especially when Angiro is taking through the centre. Thank you Alisharan for the updates. Barak Allah fikum
Just as kirabo Brian above has commented we as a team have to seat our setter down and talk to him on how he should not expose our lion at the wrong time he feels so comfortable playing with Angiro which is good but he should know when to start using him as you all know that he is our main attacker yes. Thanks again for the updates Alisharan