Mukaba Makes His Presence Felt at the Net as His Collegiate Clock Winds Down

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Obed Mukaba turned the net into a no-fly zone for the National University-Archipelago Builders. The Congolese middle blocker piled up rejections during a perfect week at the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference.

Though the Bulldogs usually draw much of their offense from the wings, Mukaba’s blocks and timely points anchored unbeaten NU’s three-game winning streak from October 20 to 25. That run earned him Spikers’ Turf Press Corps Player of the Week honors.

NU Archipelago Builders middle blocker Obed Mukaba earned Spikers’ Turf Press Corps Player of the Week honors after helping the Bulldogs win all three matches from October 20 to 25. [PVL Images]

Mukaba Anchors NU’s Perfect Week

Mukaba opened the week with 17 points, including eight blocks, in a four-set win over VNS Always Bright Laticrete on Tuesday at the Mall of Asia Arena. NU took the match, 25-14, 25-13, 20-25, 25-12.

He followed with eight points, highlighted by seven blocks, in a sweep of the Alpha Insurance Protectors on Thursday. NU won, 25-20, 25-20, 25-23.

Mukaba then added seven points in just two sets in a four-set win over Far Eastern University-DN Steel on Sunday, 25-15, 25-21, 24-26, 25-21. The victory completed a perfect week for the Bulldogs.

Mukaba said he is happy to contribute in his role. “I’m very happy to help the team win with my blocking as a middle blocker, so I hope we will continue this,” he said.

He beat out NU teammate Buds Buddin, Criss Cross’s Jude Garcia and Amil Pacinio, ClearSkiiin’s JM Ronquillo and Klint Mateo, FEU’s Dryx Saavedra, and Savouge’s Mark Calado for the weekly honor. Print and online reporters covering the league decided.

Mukaba Eyes Final UAAP Run

His strong week came as Spikers’ Turf celebrates its 10th anniversary, with NU testing itself against a field that includes seasoned club teams. Mukaba said the exposure has real value for a collegiate squad.

“Of course, it’s a good experience because we are a collegiate team and facing those kinds of players, because they are also a good team, and it will help us improve,” he said. He also called the tournament good preparation for the UAAP.

That preparation carries added meaning because the next UAAP season will be Mukaba’s last as a student-athlete. “The next season will be my last season, so I’m trying to enjoy this season because as a student-athlete this is my last,” Mukaba said.