Uganda women chase podium finish against Africa's volleyball heavyweights
The elite 16-team continental showpiece gets underway Sunday (August 23), with a colourful opening ceremony at Kasarani Indoor Stadium.
The National Volleyball team at the National Council of Sports before departure to Nairobi on Friday. (Photo by Johnson Were)
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The national women's volleyball team is determined to make history by securing a podium finish at the ongoing Women's Africa Volleyball Championship in Nairobi, Kenya.
The elite 16-team continental showpiece gets underway Sunday (August 23), with a colourful opening ceremony at Kasarani Indoor Stadium.
The tournament, which runs until September 5, doubles as a qualification pathway for both the 2027 FIVB Women's World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
At a media briefing ahead of the team's official departure, Uganda Volleyball Federation (UVF) General Secretary George Aporu expressed confidence in the contingent.
“We have had sufficient preparation, and the players are highly motivated to deliver historic results by securing qualification for the upcoming global championships,” Aporu stated.
The team was officially flagged off at Lugogo by the National Council of Sports (NCS) Assistant General Secretary in charge of Technical Affairs, Milton Chebet, who urged the athletes to maintain absolute focus.
The squad has arrived safely in Nairobi and completed two light tactical training sessions. Head Coach Protus Soita expressed satisfaction with his squad's psychological state and adaptability to the competitive environment.
“We are ready for business," Soita declared.
“We shall approach every single match like a cup final. Our immediate tactical focus is navigating our way out of the pool stages, after which we will draft a specific strategy for the knockout phases,” he added.
The technical committee will conduct draws for the different pools and fixtures to guide action.
Uganda faces a steep mountain to climb. Standout continental powerhouses, including hosts and defending champions Kenya, who lifted the 2023 crown in Yaoundé, Cameroon, alongside Cameroon, Algeria, Egypt and Tunisia, pose the biggest threat to Uganda's podium ambitions.
Squad
Outside Hitters: Catherine Ainembabazi (Captain), Claire Najjuko, Ketty Aluka, Hadijah Otim.
Middle Blockers: Jemimah Lamaro, Jeniffer Alungat, Scovia Alungat.
Opposite Hitters: Joan Tushemereirwe, Moreen Mwamula.
Liberos: Christine Asekenye, Shamirah Kalanzi.
Setters: Olive Achan, Hadijah Acelun.
Technical Bench: Protus Soita Barasa (head coach), Edward Bwenje (assistant coach), Nicholas Obeke (assistant coach).