Uganda U20 volleyball preps for Africa Championship with memorial tourney

The Uganda U20 women’s national volleyball team is set to compete in the Meduse Ojala Memorial Tournament on Saturday, July 26, at Uganda Christian University (UCU) in Mukono.

The one-day event serves as their final tune-up ahead of the U-20 Women’s African Nations Championship in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

The tournament will feature top local clubs including VVC, NEMOSTARS, KAVC, UCU, and Cobap—providing the youthful national side with a unique opportunity to sharpen their skills against seasoned opponents.

Speaking to Vision Sports, head coach Sadat Waguma highlighted both the technical and emotional significance of the event. “It’s real—we’re going to the championship. Mzee Ojala was a cornerstone in the development of volleyball in Uganda,” Waguma said. “He inspired generations of players, and I believe this memorial tournament will motivate our girls, especially with the participation of elite clubs.”

Waguma acknowledged the team’s limited experience at major competitions but praised their hunger and fighting spirit: “Despite their youth and inexperience, the girls are aggressive and ready to compete.”

Held in honor of the late Meduse Ojala, the tournament commemorates one of Uganda’s volleyball pioneers—instrumental in founding powerhouse clubs such as KAVC, NEMOSTARS, UCB, Uganda Clays, and KCC. “Mzee was a towering figure in the sport. He played a key role in establishing KAVC and NEMO Stars for both men and women,” Waguma added.

Originally scheduled for July 20 to August 1, the African Nations Championship has been postponed to August 2–12, 2025. The tournament also serves as a qualifier for the 2026 FIVB U-21 Women’s World Championship, further raising the stakes.

Uganda’s final squad has been trimmed to 11 players from an initial pool of 17. Among the standout talents is 18-year-old setter Katreena Odermatt from KCB Nkumba, whose rapid rise has captured attention.

Born to a Munyankole mother and Canadian father, Katreena studied at U-Can International School in Entebbe. Despite being new to high-level competition, she helped her club reach last season’s league final and has already become a key figure in the national setup.

The squad is led by Head Coach Sadat Waguma and Assistant Coach Mariam Nakamanya.

Final Uganda U20 Squad 

1. Katreena Odermatt - setter , KCB Nkumba 

2. Imaringat Keren - setter,  BCS 

3. Grace Ann Amoding - Receiver, BCS 

4. Mary Nabatanzi - Libero, Katikamu SDA 

5. Mariam Muhammad - Receiver,  Katikamu SDA 

6. Catherine Agola - Middle blocker ,Katikamu SDA 

7. Shifah Achom - Receiver,  Kinaawa H.S 

8. Nzunakyi Mercy - setter,  Kinaawa H.S 

9. Najjuko Claire - Right attacker,  KCCA VC

10. Nalua purity Nekesa - Right attacker, KCCA VC 

11. Zoe Chang - Outside hitter, KCB Nkumba