Obed Mukaba was a trailblazer in UAAP men’s volleyball, and he feels thrilled to see other universities following suit.
The Congolese middle blocker first suited up for National University in Season 85 when he was the only foreign student-athlete in the men’s tournament.
By Season 86, he was no longer alone, as Ateneo de Manila University added Nigerian outside spiker Aimar Okeke to its lineup.
Now, in Season 87, nearly half the league features an FSA, with Mukaba still anchoring the net for NU.
Fellow Congolese Doula Ndongala is leading Far Eastern University’s redemption campaign, while Nigerian opposite hitter Raheem Olayemi is spearheading the University of the Philippines.
Japanese spiker Ryuichi Yamanaka, though yet to see much playing time, is part of the University of Santo Tomas roster.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“It’s very, very good because when I came here, I think I was the only one foreign. So now, I saw other teams are also getting FSAs, so it’s very good,” said Mukaba on Wednesday after NU’s four-set win over UP.
“It’s gonna help other teams to strengthen themselves because the FSAs can help fill their gaps.”
At just 22 years old, the 6-foot-6 middle blocker still has two more years of eligibility, but he is already considering making this season his last — especially with NU having another FSA in the pipeline.
In his rookie year, Mukaba was awarded 1st Best Middle Blocker after averaging nearly one rejection per set (0.92).
“Even us in NU, there is already someone waiting in the wings since I think this may be my last. So it will be very good and very exciting to see more FSAs play here in the Philippines and showcase their talents,” Mukaba shared.
Mukaba went head-to-head with the high-scoring Olayemi during NU’s 23-25, 25-14, 25-20, 25-23 victory over UP, and expressed his admiration for the former U19 Nigerian national team standout.
Olayemi erupted for 26 points, but it wasn’t enough to lift the Fighting Maroons to victory. Meanwhile, Mukaba held his own with 10 points, including four blocks.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Raheem is a very, very good player.
“I really like how he plays. He has a very high reach, and he’s powerful, so I really admire the way he plays,” Mukaba said.
