By Norman Katende

Global Sports Communication, the company that manages long distance ace Kenenisa Bekele, has recruited Ugandan stars Benjamin Kiplagat and Stephen Kiprotich.

The Netherlands-based Global Sports promotes, markets and manages several top athletes across the globe. They also organise athletics events, including the Hengelo Golden League meet.

Global manages top world Ethiopian stars Haile Gebrselassie, Bekele, Sileshi Sihine and Kenyan Elliud Kipchoge.

According to Godfrey Nuwagaba, the country manager of Standard High athletics camp, a Global official recently visited Uganda and watched the national cross country championship in Soroti.

The official also visited the Standard High camp in Bukwo, in Kapchorwa region. “Global Sports official Jurrie was moved by the promising talent he saw and I am sure he will take another four athletes, including two girls,” Nuwagaba revealed.

“The more athletes we have running at international level, the higher our chances of winning on the world circuit,” he added.

Kiplagat represented Uganda at the World Athletics Championships, making it to the final of the 3000m steeplechase while Kiprotich was knocked out in the 5000m semifinal.

“They have made the core team but I think they will be joined by more local athletes. It’s good that we are having more managers picking interest in the country,” Nuwagaba commented.

“That means the sport is improving and Ugandans are recognised globally,” Nuwagba added.