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Final Result
Kepler VC 3-0 APR VC (25-22, 28-26, 25-21)
Marino Oboke produced a masterclass in playmaking as Kepler Volleyball Club defeated APR VC in straight sets to claim their maiden Genocide Memorial Tournament (GMT) men’s title with a commanding 25-22, 28-26, 25-21 victory at Petit Stade in Kigali.
The Ugandan setter was at the heart of Kepler’s unbeaten campaign, directing the team’s offence with precision and composure to keep opposing blockers guessing throughout the tournament.
His outstanding performances earned him the Best Setter award, highlighting the crucial role he played in Kepler’s historic success.
Marino Oboke poses with the 2026 GMT Best Setter award
For Oboke, the key to victory lay in intelligent ball distribution and adapting to his attackers’ strengths.
After studying teammate and tournament MVP Wycliffe Dusenge, he adjusted the offence to maximize the attacker’s effectiveness, particularly from positions one and two.
The tactical changes gave Kepler a cutting edge in attack and proved decisive in the biggest moments of the competition.
“I always aim to distribute the ball strategically so the blockers cannot predict where the attack is coming from,”
Oboke said.
“As a setter, you have to understand your hitters, make smart decisions under pressure and ensure every possession gives your team the best chance to score.”
His leadership extended beyond setting.
Oboke remained a calming presence on court, lifting teammates’ confidence during tense moments and helping the squad maintain focus despite entering the tournament as underdogs.
Kepler’s offensive efficiency was especially evident in the semi-final victory over Police VC, where the team committed just nine attack errors in a dominant straight-sets win.
Marino Oboke while leading the offensive attack in the semifinal against Police VC.
Against APR in the final, Kepler held their nerve in a fiercely contested second set before carrying the momentum into the third to complete the sweep and lift the prestigious regional trophy for the first time.
Kepler’s dominance was reflected in the individual awards, with Dusenge named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player and Best Attacker, Cedric Kageruka recognised as Best Receiver, and Oboke crowned Best Setter.
The victory marks a significant milestone for Kepler Volleyball Club, with Oboke’s vision, leadership and tactical brilliance proving instrumental in writing a memorable chapter in the club’s history.
In the women’s competition, Kenya Pipeline Volleyball Club claimed the championship with a straight-sets victory over APR WVC, while Police VC and Police WVC secured bronze medals in the men’s and women’s categories respectively.
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