CAVB Men’s Club Championship 2026 gets underway in Rwanda
By Joel Masibo, April 23, 2026The 2026 CAVB Men’s Club Championship burst into life on Wednesday evening, April 22, 2026, in Kigali, Rwanda, following a vibrant and memorable opening ceremony that set the tone for Africa’s premier men’s volleyball club competition amid significant changes announced to the format of its premier continental tournament.
Opening ceremony
Held at the impressive BK Arena on April 22, the ceremony blended entertainment, culture, and sport into a grand showcase that celebrated African unity and volleyball excellence. Athletes, officials, sponsors, and fans from across the continent gathered to witness the official launch of the highly anticipated tournament.
Day one action
The action on the court matched the excitement of the ceremony, as hosts APR Volleyball Club delivered an impressive performance in the tournament’s opening match. APR defeated Zimbabwe’s Black Rhinos Volleyball Club in straight sets, winning 3-0 with scores of 25-18, 25-10, and 25-11. The commanding victory delighted home supporters and gave the hosts a perfect start to their campaign.
With the tournament now underway, fans have been encouraged to attend matches in large numbers as the competition continues across Kigali’s BK Arena and Petit Stade venues over the next ten days. The championship promises intense battles among some of Africa’s strongest volleyball clubs, all competing for continental glory.
Attention now shifts to Day Two of the competition, scheduled for Thursday, April 23, 2026, with several exciting fixtures lined up across both venues. At BK Arena, Egypt’s Petrojet will face Uganda’s Nemostars in the morning session, followed by Kenya’s General Service Unit (GSU) taking on Atletico Clube do Mindelo of Cape Verde. Tanzania’s Prisons VC will meet Rwanda Police VC, while Morocco’s Faith Union Sports will clash with Kenya Ports Authority (KPA).
Later matches will see Cameroon’s PAD Douala face Rwanda Energy Group (REG), before Cameroon Sports VC take on Egypt’s Al Ahly in the final game of the day.
Meanwhile, matches at Petit Stade will feature Kenya’s Equity Bank against Uganda’s Sport-S, Burundi’s Rukinzo battling Ghana’s Kalibi Sporting, Ethiopia’s Wolaitta SC facing Ghana Army, Rwanda’s Kepler VC meeting Ivory Coast’s AS INJS, and Nigeria Customs taking on Cameroon’s Litto Team VC.
With the opening ceremony successfully completed and the first match already delivering thrilling action, the journey to crown Africa’s next club volleyball champion has officially begun.