By Dismas Nuwaine
Uganda Christian University (UCU) Doves totally outclassed their opponents, bringing home the Aporu Okol cup.
The Doves sealed their feat with perfect ease, having had a 100% record in all their seven games to the semi-finals played at the Okol tournament. The Doves were declared winners after Sport-S declined to play in the final.
This highly anticipated 28th edition of the tournament was organized by the Centenary Bank of Kumi and played within the district on the 11th and 12th of June.
The tournament is held every year in memory of Doctor Goerge Aporu Okol, who was an ardent supporter of Ugandan volleyball.
This tournament drew close to about 84 teams from different regions in the country and outside, which were in turn placed in different categories, men and women alike.
In the first game of the campaign, the UCU Doves were drawn against Kampala University, prevailing by a set score of three to zero.
The situation didn’t seem to change much in the second game, as the highly energized and motivated doves completely outplayed Bukedea Missions in the second game to a set score of three to zero.
By now, the doves looked pretty invisible and unplayable, further asserting their dominance as they humbled the Equity Planet to a set score of three to one.
Going into the round of 16, all eyes were on the undefeated Doves, and they did not disappoint their fans, putting up a spirited performance and winning three sets to two against Team Sky.
The quarter finals presented a new challenge altogether for the Uganda Peoples Defense Forces, but the Doves would have none of it, humbling the army men to a maximum score of three sets to zero.
Going into the semifinals, the Doves already had one foot in the final but had a resolute and stubborn-looking Orange Block Buster team standing in their way.
In this highly heated encounter, the Doves played at the top of their game, bagging three sets to one and further proving their priceless worth.
The stage was set for the final, with the UCU Doves looking to seal the deal in spectacular fashion, but their opponents Sports – S forfeited the match due to unfavorable timing.
With this state of affairs, the UCU Doves were declared unanimously as the undisputed champions, much to the joy and jubilation within the Doves camp for a job well done.
Samuel David Lukaire, the sports administrator at UCU, couldn’t hide his appreciation for the UCU Doves team.
“That was a great performance and good for them; a team that has come from relegation to achieve such a feat is simply wow,” said David.
He also espoused his unwavering optimism towards the future awaiting the UCU Doves.
“This win gives us hope for greater things ahead; it shows that what we are building has sense,” remarked David, assuring.
The Doves will have to defend the same accolade next year come June in the same Aporu Okol tournament.
Next up, the UCU Doves are set to play in the Kampala Amateur Tournament this coming August, which brings together a number of teams countrywide.
