Ugandan hockey clubs blame disastrous campaign on inexperience

Jan 16, 2017

Mbabaali further notes that Ugandan sides lacked a proper organizational plan

There is no doubt the Hockey Africa Club Championship was a disastrous campaign for Wananchi and Weatherhead, but who was left holding the bag after Uganda's top two clubs stumbled at the meet that ended Sunday?

Innocent Mbabaali, Wananchi's midfielder and reigning National League MVP, puts it on the players who lacked confidence and resilience at the event that attracted ninenteen African elite teams at the City Pack Stadium.

"Our opponents were extremely good but Ugandan sides would have performed better than how they performed if they had shown a level of confidence. They were some what starstruck by the well-conditioned and slick opponents and this somehow put them off, killing their concentration" Mbabaali explained.

Both Weatherhead and Wananchi sides finished in the last two positions (eight and nine respectively) in the Men's category while in the women's category, Wananchi finished eighth as Weatherhead finished last.

Mbabaali further notes that Ugandan sides lacked a proper organizational plan which their opponents possessed and this kind of disorientation cost them a great deal.

Off record, Ugandan teams were among the last to arrive in Kenya yet teams from as far as Egypt;  Sharkia men and women teams arrived a week to the tournament.

Still from Ghana ; Exchequers, Ghana Police and Ghana Revenue Authority arrived earlier than Uganda's. The teams had an opportunity to have a feel of the playing venue, having a few pick-ups and so by the time the event started, these teams had readied themselves and no wonder Eastern Company of Egypt retained the men's title after they edged out Kenya Police 3-2 in penalty shootouts after the teams tied 0-0 in regulation time. Kenya'sTelkom Orange beat Ghana Revenue Authority 2-0 to claim the Women's trophy.

"There is a lot that has to be improved. The coaches at the event lacked the edge and as you may know they are not even satisfied coaches but am thankful they managed to stand in and help. We are still surviving on individual initiatives yet our opponents there were fully backed by their respective home governing bodies" said Jackie Namyalo, Chairman Weatherhead.

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