Uganda U-18 Hockey5 teams target World Cup qualification in Nairobi
The two-day event will serve as the continental qualifier for the inaugural FIH Hockey5 U-18 World Cup, scheduled for December in South Korea.
U-18 Hockey5 team captains Daniel Kinyera (men) and Phiona Amaro (women) pose after the flag-off ceremony for the continental qualifiers in Kenya. Photo: Silvano Kibuuka
Uganda's national U-18 Hockey5 teams have been flagged off to represent the country at the inaugural continental Hockey5 U-18 tournament, which gets underway in Kenya this Thursday.
The two-day event will serve as the continental qualifier for the inaugural FIH Hockey5 U-18 World Cup, scheduled for December in South Korea.
Uganda will be among six African nations competing in the inaugural continental U-18 Hockey5 Championship in both the men's and women's categories.
According to Hockey Uganda president Phillip Wafula, the top two teams in each category will secure qualification.
The tournament will be held at the Sikh Union ground in Nairobi.
The Ugandan contingent comprises eight players on each of the men's and women's teams.
"We are ready to make history by qualifying Uganda for the World Cup through the tournament in Kenya. Our coaches have prepared us well and we are highly motivated. We only ask Ugandans to pray for our safe journey and success," said women's captain Phiona Amaro.
The teams were flagged off by National Council of Sports Senior Sports Officer Annet Nankya, in the presence of Hockey Uganda executive members and parents of the players.
"This is a testament to the success of our grassroots hockey development programme. It is a major milestone for our U-18 players to compete at the continental level with an opportunity to qualify for the World Cup," Nankya said.
She thanked the parents for supporting their children and the schools for allowing the players to travel despite the ongoing mock examination period. Nankya also urged the players to approach every match like a final and maintain discipline both on and off the field.
Hockey Uganda President Phillip Wafula described the tournament as a golden opportunity for Uganda to return to world-level hockey competition for the first time since the national team competed at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, Germany.
"Make the country proud because it has been a long time since Uganda last competed on the world stage in 1972. This is your chance to write history," Wafula said, while also thanking the parents and schools for their support.
Head coach Martin Okello said the team's month-long training programme had adequately prepared the players for the challenge ahead and expressed confidence in their ability to compete with the continent's best.
The participating nations are Uganda, hosts Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa and Zambia, all battling for the two available World Cup qualification slots in both the men's and women's competitions.