Team Uganda cautious ahead of cross-country

By James Bakama

World University Cross-country

MAKERERE University student Benjamin Njia will captain Uganda’s World University Cross-country team.

Members of Team Uganda meeting at Ndejje University last week unanimously chose the Makerere University student. 

“He has the leadership qualities,” said fellow athlete Martin Cheptegei echoing coach Benjamin Longiros’ observation. 

Njia also captained Uganda’s team to the World University Games last year.

On the team’s medal chances, Longiros said it is too early to talk about medals especially after some of the challenges they have had in preparation.

The team only started residential training last week after an offer from Ndejje University. The local organizing committee for the world meet is struggling to secure government funding.

“It’s a huge challenge,” noted team manager Mark Kayongo as the team got into its fi nal week of training. Sri Lanka became the first country to arrive for the championship yesterday.

Ghana were expected next at midnight. 

Meanwhile seasoned coach Johnson Kasajja has advised the host team to make the best of the competition ground. Athletes from 28 countries will be competing at the Entebbe Golf course. 

“Uganda should master that ground. As a home team, they shouldn’t get to Entebbe and look like strangers,” said Kasajja adding that this, in effect, means having as many training sessions in Entebbe as possible.

Men: Julius Ocen, Sam Cherop (KU), Martin Cheptegei (KU), Edward Mukasa, Kennedy Muhereza (UCU), Benjamin Njia (MUK), Allan Makweta (Kyambogo)

Women: Winnie Nanyondo (Kampala University), Dorcus Ajok, Prim Twikirize, Annet Chebet (Ndejje), Lillian Anzazi (Bugema).