Ochan redeems UTA image

By Douglas Mazune AFTER months in which tennis was in the news for all the wrong reasons, 13-year-old Patrick Ochan has taken a first step to improving the game’s image.The young tennis star’s exploits in South Africa have earned him Uganda Sports Press Associations’ sportsman-of-the-month of January award.Ochan, who won two tournaments at the Africa junior tennis championship in South Africa, beat rally ace Moses Lumala, Express FC and UABF national light welterweight champion Mohammed Kayongo to the Uganda Sports Press Association (USPA) Sportsman of January award.The youngster, is currently in Johannesburg, South Africa, on a one-year tennis scholarship from the International Tennis Federation. His performance goes a long way in showing that the talent is there for Uganda Tennis Association to groom, if only they can put their house in order.Ochan polled 355 points to beat Caltex rally winner Lumala with 270 into second place. Hedex and VEK cup holders Express (265) and Kayongo (210) came third and fourth in the poll held at USPA’s monthly assembly at Tourist Hotel. Katumwa Sports Centre sponsored the assembly.The sports journalists commended Kampala Boxing Club for winning the national Open championship.Bika football champions Lugave, Andrew Mukasa and chess stars Bob Bibasa and Farouk Fauza were also commended.Gilbert Kaburu, Bernard Opoka and Rebecca Nakate were belatedly voted swimming, handball and netball personalities of 2001.USPA chairman Geoffrey Kulubya also handed over sh1.5m donated by BAT Uganda to the families of fallen scribes Leo Kabunga and Peter Ekarot.Ekarot’s widow, Juliet Namarome and Mayanja Njuki, a guardian of Kabunga’s children, received the money.ends