University stars in the spotlight

Jan 31, 2014

Negesa, who pulled out of the 2012 London Olympics due to injury, will be making a comeback on the same course where she triumphed in 2012.

By James Bakama

National Cross-country

UNIVERSITIES will look to Annet Negesa, Halima Nakaayi and Winnie Nanyondo for glory at the National Cross-country.

The Kampala University trio brings a wealth of experience in tomorrow’s event at Jinja’s Golf Course.

Negesa, who pulled out of the 2012 London Olympics due to injury, will be making a comeback on the same course where she triumphed in 2012.

She might be yet to hit top form but her status as a double Africa junior champion and world junior bronze medalist, will make her one of the people to beat in Jinja.

She will be running alongside team-mates Winnie Nanyondo and Halima Nakaayi.

Nanyondo is Africa University Cross-Country champion while Nakaayi has also impressed on the world stage.

Negesa has been training in Jinja while Nakaayi and Nanyondo have been preparing under the watchful eye of coach Raphael Kasajja at Namboole stadium.

National University Sports Federation of Uganda is doing everything within its means to ensure that its teams are at their best.

“Makerere and Ndejje’s teams are training at the high altitude in Bukwo. With this training and the Negesa, Nakaayi and Nanyondo experience, we should be able put up a good show in Jinja,” said NUSFU head Peninah Kabenge.

NUSFU is using the race as a build-up for the World University Cross-country the following month. The university side also has Prim Twikirize, Annet Chebet and Dorcus Ajok from Ndejje.

Makerere will be fielding Stella Akidi, Benjamin Nija and Herbert Gidagui. Bugema has Lillian Anjaz and Joshua Cheptegei.

Kampala University will also have Martin Chemtingen, Julius Ocheng and Sam Cherop.

UCU has Edward Mukasa and Kennedy Nuwahereza while Ballon Kwesiga and Allan Makweta will run for Nkumba and Kyambogo Universities respectively.

Meanwhile, Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF) yesterday named its commission heads: Technical- P. Okot, Media- J. B. Masiko, Veterans- M. Akankwasa, Marketing- M. Omeda, Athletes- M. Asonya, Women- A. Edatu, Medical- M. Aleku, Finance- Dr. F. Pasqualato, Organising Committee- L. Kavuma, Development- M. Kadodooba, Discipline-A. Musherure.

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