Uganda U-20 girls volleyball team to stay in camp for two weeks

Nov 17, 2020

Uganda was preparing to host this year’s edition of the African Volleyball Confederation (CAVB) U-20 girls competition

The Uganda national Girls U-20 Volleyball team will stay in camp for the next two weeks even when the continental championship they were preparing for has been called off.

Uganda was preparing to host this year's edition of the African Volleyball Confederation (CAVB) U-20 girls competition that was going to be staged at Lugogo Indoor Stadium between December 4-12.

However, in her letter to all federations across the continent, CAVB president-elect Bouchra Hajij directed the suspension of all Volleyball activities on the CAVB Calendar until 2021.

By the time of her letter, the Ugandan team had spent four weeks of intensive training in a residential camp at Boni Concilii Girls SS in Isingiro District, 310km from Kampala.

The U20 team in training

Normally, whenever such abrupt changes are communicated in the middle of a team's preparation for a major event, the teams call off the preps, and players are sent home.

But upon receiving the letter on Thursday, UVF president Hadijah Namanda called on the team in Isingiro to remain until further communication is made on the next step.

Adding, "Our camp is still ongoing and we will keep you updated on any eventualities regarding the camp and further preparations. Stay safe and warm regards,"

And newly appointed Team manager Salma Kairungi confirmed the president's communication by revealing the dates the team will have to stay undergoing training.

"The girls were disappointed as some were looking at their first championship. But it gives us chance to prepare better and the team will still keep in the camp until 28th November before they are sent back home," Kaitungi said.

Team manager Salma Kairungi talks to the team

Team head coach Alex Mbaine however expressed a mixed reaction towards the issue but still reckons on the morale that the girls had started showing.

"We were disorganised because the spirit of the team was going very high. The fitness levels might now go back to zero because the kids are going to be sent back home. But also, on the other hand, there is a positive that they might call it back when the candidates are available," Mbaine says.

Cancellation, a blessing in disguise for cash stricken UVF?

Ever since Uganda was given the hosting rights and the girls entered residential in Isingiro training four weeks ago, the Uganda Volleyball Federation has been in contact with the National Council of Sports (NCS) and Ministry of education and Sports offices, trying to secure funding.

The budget estimate for camping and participation has been 105m shillings that the federation has been trying to secure as the girls entered camp without money, thanks to Boni Concilii Girls SS administration for the provisions.

UVF president Hadijah Namanda however declined to mention the cancellation of the event was a blessing in disguise.

"I believe everything happens for a reason," She said.

"We had a budget of 105m for the team through the tournament and there was hope from NCS that we were going to have the funds. The alignment was being done to have it done," Namanda said.

Uganda was to play against other continental elite teams like Tunisia, Egypt, Cameroon, Senegal, and regional rivals Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda, with the best three teams qualifying for the world championships whose dates and venues were yet to be communicated

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});