Ndejje tempering expectations ahead of Tunisia trip

Ndejje Elites will represent Uganda at the Africa Women Volleyball Championships in Tunisia this weekend.

The team is eying nothing less than eighth position in their fourth appearance at their international championships.

It is the best position Ndejje Elites achieved on their maiden appearance at the same championship in Madagascar, in 2013.

While speaking to the press, Ndejje Elites head coach Johnson Kawenyera, the squad of 12 players and four officials at the flag off at NCS offices in Lugogo, all indicated that they would be happy with eighth position.

"We are going to face teams that have been there since 2008 and have senior and experienced players at the championships. We can't rule out going for the final or semifinals but I'm just being realistic our target is to be eighth in the ranking," Kawenyera said before they departed.

The team is expected to arrive in Tunisia later today.

Players who featured then and will make backbone of the side this time include; Christine Alupo, Belinda Jepkirui (captain), Saidat Nnungi, Maureen Mwamula and Jesca Kaidu.

"There is no doubt our team has improved much more compared to previous times. The coach has been telling us about our defence and reception and I'm sure we shall do our best," Alupo said.

Ndejje Elites expect to compete against over 15 teams from Kenya, Rwanda, Egypt, hosts Tunisia and Morocco among other countries.

The winners of the tournament will represent Africa at the 2017 Women's World Club Championships in Kobe, Japan in June.

As NCS general secretary Nicholas Muramagi who flagged off the team, he applauded Ndejje University for their contribution towards developing different sports disciplines in Uganda and offered undisclosed pocket money for the traveling contingent.

The Squad: C. Alupo, S. Nnungi, B. Jepkiru, J. Kaidu, M. Mwamula, S. Nakambwe, O. Kavunan, G. Nyakecho, V. Aanyu, J. Tushemereirwe, E. Mwangi, S. Aamito

Officials: W. Muhumuza (head of delegation), J. Kawenyera (coach), A. Mugoda (Ass. coach), D. Namusoke (international referee)