NCS, Raptors renew title push as volleyball league heads to Rundu

The MTC Volleyball National League returns to Rundu this weekend, with teams battling for crucial points in Round 4 at the Rundu Trade Fair Hall.

The league arrives in Kavango East on the back of an exciting Round 3 in Zambezi’s Katima Mulilo, where Namibia Defence Force (NDF) Raptors handed Namibia Correctional Service (NCS) their first defeat in recent memory, winning a dramatic five-set encounter (3-2) to shake up the men’s title race.

That result ended NCS’ long unbeaten run and served notice that the defending champions will face a much tougher challenge in their quest to retain the title this season.

The two sides will once again be among the favourites heading into the Rundu round. NCS open their campaign against NamPower Volleyball Club (NPVC) before taking on NamPol Volleyball Club (NPV) on Saturday. On Sunday, they face Unam Hard Hitters, a match that could be one of the weekend’s standout fixtures.

NamPol will be eager to build on the momentum from their dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over NamPower in Katima, while Unam Hard Hitters will be looking to bounce back after failing to make home advantage count during the previous round.

NDF Raptors, buoyed by their landmark victory over NCS, begin their campaign against hosts Calvary Eagles Sport Club (CESC) before facing newly promoted Brutal Pack Volleyball Club (BPVC), who will enjoy home-court support in their first top-flight appearance in Rundu.

Sunday will also see an all-Rundu derby when Calvary Eagles take on Brutal Pack after CESC open their weekend against Raptors and later face NamPower on Saturday.

Last year’s visit to Rundu produced memorable contests, with Calvary Eagles pushing NCS all the way before eventually losing 3-1. Backed by a passionate home crowd, the hosts claimed the opening set and forced the champions to dig deep before securing victory.

Calvary coach Brian Makuki praised his players’ fighting spirit after that match, insisting Rundu still had plenty of volleyball talent to showcase. This year, the hosts will not be alone, with Brutal Pack also enjoying home support as the town stages another exciting round of league action.

The women’s division is equally poised for an exciting weekend.

NDF Phoenix remains one of the teams to beat after maintaining their strong form in Katima. Unam Queens face a tough opening schedule against defending champions Revival Volleyball Club (RVC) on Saturday before taking on Kudus Sport Club (KSC) later the same day.

NamPol Volleyball Club (NPV) also have a busy Saturday, taking on Afrocat Sport Club Ladies (ASC-L) before facing defending champions Revival Volleyball Club.

Hosts Blaze Aces Volleyball Club (BAVC) will be hoping home support inspires them when they take on NDF Phoenix on Saturday before facing NamPol on Sunday.

The weekend opens at 08h00 on Saturday at the Rundu Trade Fair Hall and continues through Sunday.

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