Cairo, Egypt, May 6, 2010 – Sixteen women’s clubs will compete for a spot at the 2010 FIVB Women’s Club World Championship when the 2010 Women’s African Club Championship begins in Panditahadeo Hall, Mauritius from May 10-17.

The eventual champions will represent Africa at Volleyball’s premier club tournament, the FIVB World Club Championships, due to be held in Doha, Qatar from December 14-21. It is the first time since 1992 that the Men’s and Women’s Club World Championships will take place and will see the women’s event return for the first time since 1994.

The FIVB Men’s Club World Championship returned for the first time in 17 years last year with Italy’s Trentino BetClic claiming the title.

Some of the registered teams for the Women’s African Club Championship are yet to confirm their participation in the tournament due to travel problems but all the big names will be available to battle for a place at the Club World Championships except for defending African champions Al Ahly of Egypt, whose male counterparts secured their ticket to Qatar in April. The Egyptians, who have six continental crowns to their name, had to withdraw at the last minute due to the involvement of most of their team with university exams.

Kenya, who hold the record for the most number of titles in the history of the competition, will be represented by three clubs led by Posta, who is the only African team to have played in the previous versions of the FIVB Club World Championships. Pipelines, who have seven titles, are the favorite to win with five national players helping their cause. The 2008 champions Prisons are also big favorites with KC Bank who won the Cup in 2006.

The reigning African champions Algeria will be represented by Ghalia Chlef and Bejaia.

Cameroon will be represented by Bafia Evolution and Injis, regulars at the tournament, while the hosts will be represented by Tranquebar Black.

Other teams expected to participate are Quantum from South Africa, Les As from Burundi, Anse Royale from Seychelles, Kutlwano from Botswana, APR from Rwanda, Canon and AS Volley from RD Congo and Nkumba University of Uganda.

You can find this article on FIVB.org