Woodball stars Mutungisa, Nantongo target Kenya Open after Malaysia heroics
The premier regional tournament is scheduled to take place from September 8–13, 2026, in Maseno town, located northwest of Kisumu City along the Kisumu–Busia highway.
Bank of Uganda stars Kenedy Mutungisa and Josephine Natongo at the World Cup in Malaysia. PHOTO: Johnson Were
Fresh off a historic and impressive performance at the Malaysia International Woodball Open, Bank of Uganda stars Kenedy Mutungisa and Josephine Natongo have shifted their targets to next month's Kenya International Open and the upcoming Bankers Gala.
The premier regional tournament is scheduled to take place from September 8–13, 2026, in Maseno town, located northwest of Kisumu City along the Kisumu–Busia highway.
Both corporate athletes are confident that their recent breakthrough on the global stage in Malaysia has perfectly primed them for the dual challenges ahead in September.
Meanwhile, national coach Onesmus Atamba intends to use regional circuits like the Kenya Open to build a formidable stable of elite athletes. His long-term vision is aimed squarely at the 2028 Beach Woodball World Cup and the 2030 Grass Woodball World Cup.
"I am happy with our recent World Cup achievements where we secured two gold and nine bronze medals, even though I had hoped for at least one more gold for the men," Atamba stated. "That is now behind us. We must look to the future, and we have to start building more players right now."
"My focus is taking a strong contingent to the Kenya International Open, specifically to field players who are exceptionally talented but missed out on the World Cup squad due to a lack of international experience," Atamba added.
Exposing a wider pool of players to competitive regional matches will help them develop structural composure and master game-management strategies during high-pressure situations.
Historically, the Kenya International Open serves as an intense East African battleground, drawing powerhouse teams from Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. Defending champions Uganda Prisons Woodball Club, who dominated last year's edition in Kakamega, will be the team to beat.