Ontere wants his team to convert domestic consistency into a statement run against Africa’s elite, stressing the importance of execution under pressure across the 10-day tournament.

Kenya Ports Authority Volleyball Club head coach James Ontere has urged his side to embrace the continental stage as Kenya’s representatives target a strong showing at the African Men’s Club Volleyball Championship, which tipped off in Kigali on Wednesday.

KPA are joined by General Service Unit and Equity Bank Volleyball Club in representing the country. The dockers secured their slot after a strong finish in the 2024/25 Kenya Volleyball Federation National League season.

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They arrived in Rwanda with a balanced squad and a build-up focused on improving serve-receive stability and transition play, key areas Ontere believes will shape their campaign.

Drawn in a competitive field that includes North Africa’s traditional powerhouses, KPA are targeting a deep run beyond the preliminary stage. The coach has emphasised discipline in block defence and efficiency in attack conversion, while urging players to approach the occasion with confidence.

Kenya’s challenge will, however, be without Kenya Prisons Volleyball Club, whose absence follows a fourth-place finish in the domestic league after losing the third-place playoff to Equity Bank.

Their absence denies them a return to a competition where they came closest to continental glory in 2011, finishing runners-up in Cairo to Al Ahly Volleyball Club, the most decorated side in the tournament’s history.

Matches will be played at BK Arena and Petit Stade through to May 3, with 24 clubs confirmed following late withdrawals.

The format has been adjusted to include classification matches for teams ranked 17 to 24, while decision-review technology will be introduced from the round of 16.

Raphael Ngarambe said the hosts are prepared for a high-level tournament.

“Rwanda is proud to host this tournament that brings together Africa’s top clubs and also serves as a qualification pathway to the Club World Championship,” he said.

“This is not just a sporting competition, but also a symbol of unity, resilience, and love for volleyball across Africa.”

He added that preparations have been carried out in collaboration with the African Volleyball Confederation and the government to deliver a world-class event.

“We promise to deliver a world-class experience for players, officials, fans and the media,” he said.