Handball: UPDF cement title credentials with commanding win over Evergreen
Military and paramilitary sides Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF), Police, and Prisons delivered masterclass performances, comfortably securing victories in their respective fixtures.
UPDF's Abasi Mwanje in action with the ball against Police. PHOTO: Johnson Were
Institutional teams continued their absolute dominance in the Uganda Handball National Super League as the second round heated up over the weekend at the Old Kampala Arena.
Military and paramilitary sides Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF), Police, and Prisons delivered masterclass performances, comfortably securing victories in their respective fixtures.
In the Men's division, league leaders UPDF cemented their title credentials with a commanding 41-29 victory over Evergreen Handball Club. The army side relied heavily on their lethal attacking trio of Francis Ongom, Bruhan Bogere, and Vincent Tibamwenda, who consistently found the back of the net.
UPDF Head Coach Patrick Odora lauded his team's mentality after the whistle. "I am highly impressed with the boys' attitude today. This consistency gives me immense confidence that we can successfully defend our national title," Odora remarked.
Police's Saidi Abdul Salaam attacks UPDF during their League game. PHOTO: Johnson Were
The Women's category served up mixed fortunes for the armed forces, alongside a major shocker. Prisons cruised to a dominant 38-21 win over Nkajja, while Police outclassed Makerere University 48-31.
Police Head Coach Azizi Yakubu attributed their fine form to tactical discipline and focus. "The girls are hungry to defend their title. We are treating every single match like a cup final, and that mentality is exactly why we are grinding out these results," Yakubu stated.
The Naguru-based side continues to rely on the excellent form of star players Patricia Arago, Ritah Recho, and Royce Namutosi to anchor their championship defense.
The day's biggest upset, however, came at the hands of Kawanda Secondary School, who stunned the UPDF women's team 29-28 in a mouth-watering, down-to-the-wire thriller.
The action resumes this coming Saturday at the Old Kampala Arena with another packed lineup of fixtures.
Handball League results
Men
UPDF 41 Evergreen 29
Uzalendo 33 K’la University 29
Women
Prisons 38 Nkaja 21
Police 48 Makerere 31
Kawanda 29 UPDF 28