By Norman Katende

NATIONAL long distance coach Gordon Ahimbisibwe is confident Team Uganda is ready for the challenge that awaits them at the World Cross Country championships.

The team departs Thursday for the annual event due Sunday in the Polish City of Bydgoszcz.

They have been training in Kapchorwa, a good ground for speed work, as opposed to the Bukwo camp.

“The roads have provided a good opportunity for the athletes to improve on their speed. We have never been as ready as we are now,” said Ahimbisibwe.

“Training together has improved the athletes understanding of each other and it will help running for the team accolades,” he added.

Last year’s senior men silver medallist Moses Kipsiro and junior men bronze medallist Moses Kibet are also part of the team.

“All is well, save for some athletes who are yet to get their visas. They will travel to Kampala tomorrow (today) so their visas are processed,” explained Ahimbisibwe.

Timothy Toroitich and Thomas Ayeko for the junior men and Annet Negesa, Rebecca Cheptagei, Viola Chemos, Adha Mongolia and Mercy Chelangat for the junior women are yet to get the required visas.

Martin Toroitich, Dickson Huru, Ben Siwa, Kipsiro, Godfrey Kusuro and James Kibet for senior men, and Kibet, Kibet Soyekwa and Alex Cherop for the junior men already have visas.