N. African clubs eager to continue dominance

In just a matter of days, the continent will find out if the famous Men’s African Club Volleyball Championships is still a North African affair.

Monday, April 20, 2009

In just a matter of days, the continent will find out if the famous Men’s African Club Volleyball Championships is still a North African affair.

The championship dating back in 1980 and considered to be the most important volleyball club competition on the continent has been dominated by North African clubs like Al Ahly, Zamalek and Club Africain among others.

Ahead of this year’s 28th edition which gets underway this Tuesday, Egypt’s Al Ahly are the record winners with eight titles followed by Tunisia’s Club Sportif Sfaxien and Club Africain follow with five and four titles respectively.

Defending champions Zamalek and Esperance Tunis have three titles each while Etoile du Sahel (Tunisia) and Mouloudia of Algeria have two titles apiece.

Out side North African clubs, the top performing club has been FAP Yaoundé of Cameroon, a losing finalist in 2005 when Club Sportif Sfaxien won the competition for a fifth time. 

This year, APR will represent Rwanda as they seek for a maiden semi-final appearance in the championship. In 2007, National University of Rwanda (UNR) could only manage a 7th spot finish after beating Port Douala of Cameroon.

Ends