Makongoro backs Ugandan pair to reach CAVB Zone V Beach Volleyball final

Uganda assistant coach Shamim Makongoro believes Claire Najjuuko and Purity Nalua Nekesa can reach the final of the 2026 CAVB Zone V Beach Volleyball Championship after booking a place in the women’s semi-finals at Bunjako Beach.

The pair beat Kenya’s Eddah and Chesol 23-21, 21-13 in Saturday’s quarter-finals to set up a semi-final clash with Kenya’s Selina and Sembel on Sunday at 9:00am.

Makongoro said the Ugandans must remain focused and make good use of their chances if they are to reach the final on home sand.

“The girls have worked hard to reach this stage. We believe in their ability, and they must remain focused, communicate well and take their chances,” she said.

She added that the players must stay calm under pressure against a Kenyan pair that has also shown its strength in the competition.

“We respect our opponents, but we are ready for the challenge. The players must believe in themselves, stay disciplined and fight for every point,” Makongoro said.

Uganda’s other women’s pair, Margaret Namyalo and Eunice Amuron, bowed out after losing 21-13, 21-15 to Selina and Sembel.

Burundi’s Irakoze and Ndayikengurukiye advanced after beating Kenya’s Lorine and Wavinya 21-13, 18-21, 15-12, while South Sudan’s Agor Madut and Diing edged Burundi’s Buntubwimana and Kaze 21-17, 12-21, 15-13.

The women’s semi-finals will see Burundi face South Sudan before Uganda take on Kenya.

Uganda’s men also exited the competition at the quarter-final stage after Luc Florent Kimararungu and Aziizi Busingye lost 21-12, 22-20 to Kenya’s Chimanyi and Muliro.

Burundi’s Mukunzi and Iteriteka beat Kenya’s Bosire and Maluki 21-11, 21-16 to advance, while Gakiza and Manariyo defeated Kenya’s Jairoo and Soita 21-18, 21-18. Kenya’s Amutallah and Oseko also progressed after overcoming South Sudan’s Akec and Mayen 21-16, 19-21, 15-12.

Burundi went on to dominate the men’s semi-finals, securing an all-Burundi final.

Mukunzi and Iteriteka beat Kenya’s Chimanyi and Muliro 30-28, 21-15 after a closely contested first set, while Gakiza and Manariyo defeated Amutallah and Oseko 21-11, 21-12.

The men’s final on Sunday will therefore be an all-Burundi contest between Mukunzi and Iteriteka and Gakiza and Manariyo. Kenya’s Chimanyi and Muliro will face Amutallah and Oseko in the third-place play-off.

The Entebbe Tour runs from October 21 to 26 at Bunjako Beach. Uganda is seeking to improve on last year’s performance in Burundi, where the women won bronze and the men reached the quarter-finals.

The 2026 CAVB Zone V Beach Volleyball Championship

Women’s quarter-final results

Uganda (1) 2 Kenya 0

Kenya 2 Uganda (2) 0

Burundi (1) 2 Kenya 1

South Sudan 2 Burundi (2) 1

Men’s semi-final results

Burundi (1) 2 Kenya (1) 0

Burundi (2) 2 Kenya (1) 0

Sunday  

Women’s semi-finals

Burundi v South Sudan 9am

Uganda v Kenya 9am

Men’s matches

Third-place play-off:

Kenya (Chimanyi / Muliro) v Kenya (Amutallah / Oseko)

Final

Burundi (Mukunzi / Iteriteka) vs Burundi (Gakiza / Manariyo)