National champions UNR and APR have upped their preparations ahead of this year’s Africa Club Championship. According to Gertrude Kubwimana, the executive secretary of the national volleyball federation (FRVB), both sides are training hard for the event.

"UNR are currently having periodic sessions at their Gymnasium while APR is using Amahoro’s indoor stadium,” she said. The championship, to be staged in Nairobi from March 30 to April 5 is expected to attract Africa’s top sides.

The week long tournament is also the biggest and most prestigious club volleyball event on the continent. UNR and APR have a lot to play for as the event also doubles as the World Cup Club qualifier.

At the end of the event, the top clubs will represent the continent in the World Cup in Japan. Meanwhile, the national men’s volleyball league reigning champions APR are also gearing up for the championship.

Although APR has built a reputation as one of the region’s top volleyball clubs, it has still failed to prevail on the continental scene. Over the years, North African clubs have proved a hard nut to crack for the army side.

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