The team is based on the performance in the three games of the finals, and as expected, there will be some big misses due to the limited number of slots.
The National Volleyball League season came to a close Sunday night, with Sport-S defeating UCU Doves 3-0 in Game Three to win the series 2-1.
With the victory, Sport-S ended their 14-year wait for the league title, while UCU were on the wrong end of the result in yet another final.
20:02 - 07.05.2023
VOLLEYBALL Sport-S defeat UCU Doves to win first league title in 14 years
Saturday’s 3-1 win to level the series handed Sport-S the momentum and quite clearly deflated UCU going into Sunday's decider.
And now, with the season coming to an end, Pulse Sports has chosen the best players from the finals to make what would have been the strongest team from the two sides.
The team is based on the performance in the three games of the finals, and as expected, there will be some big misses due to the limited number of slots.
We can only 4select six players and a libero.
Tough. Very tough, and this is because almost all the middle blockers in the series played well.
Dickens Otim got his first start in Game Three after excelling every time he came off the bench in Games One and Two.
09:43 - 08.05.2023
VOLLEYBALL Dickens Otim over the moon after landing first National Volleyball League title in Sport-S colours
Otim's net defence late in Game One through to Game Two earned him a starting place in the team ahead of Emmanuel Okia for the decider.
But we shall go with one middle player from Sport-S, and there are no prizes for guessing who that is.
Samuel Engwau (Middle blocker) -Sport-S
Arguably the best middle blocker in the league at the moment, Samuel Engwau was on top of his game against his former side.
He played like a veteran and made life hard for the opposition on the net. And he was not all about blocking. When the reception was right, he scored some crucial points.
Vincent Odeke (Middle blocker) -UCU Doves
His fast swing scored several points for the UCU Doves, and he also did great with the block.
As one of the senior players on the current team, Odeke led with a good performance, especially in Game One, that stretched to the decisive set.
We are not going to give it to Warren Muhangi but what a performance from the veteran! He came off the bench to steady the ship in Game Two and also came on in Game Three.
He definitely deserves a mention.
Joseph Okello (Setter) -UCU Doves
The UCU setter gets in ahead of his opposite number Marino Oboke.
Okello used his options well throughout the series. He connected well with his attackers and chipped in with some vital points, his dumps often bailing the team out.
Gideon Angiro (Receiver-attacker) -UCU Doves
He played like the best player and leader of the team. He could have easily been named MVP if his side had won.
Setter Okello fed him the ball everywhere on the court, and Angiro kept scoring to ensure the team stayed in games.
Thon Maker (Receiver-attacker) -Sport-S
If there are volleyball awards to come, Thon Maker will probably expect to take home the prize.
He maintained his regular season form in the finals and was the most significant threat for UCU in attack.
His balanced reception and attack. Stopping him in attack remained a problem for UCU until the season's final point.
Easily the best player in the series. Give him his MVP award already.
Augustine Odongo (Opposite) -Sport-S
Promoted from Tigers, Odong played like he had been in the top flight for years. He attacked and scored with most balls sent his way, on top of blocking well whenever called upon.
His efficiency in the service box was top-notch, and he gets the nod over Nickson Tumusiime, who blew hot and cold throughout the series.
John Bosco Thembo (Libero) -Sport-S
He offered the right first pass for the team and also defended like his life depended on it.
What more can be asked of a libero?
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16:58 - 06.05.2023
VOLLEYBALL KCCA end 17 year wait as they cruise past Sport-S to win the National Volleyball League title
KCCA Ladies ended their 17-year thirst for the National Volleyball League title following a 2-0 sweep of Sport-S in the finals.
Benon Mugisha (Coach) -Sport-S
He rotated his team well and knew when to call on the seasoned campaigners. His decision to replace Emmanuel Okia with Dickens Otim paid dividends.
Most importantly, he guided the team to the title. And we all want a winner in the dugout.
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