The men and women’s national hockey teams leave in the wee hours of Monday morning for Zambia ahead of the June 7-9 Zambezi Series. Zambezi Hockey Series is an annual international field hockey tournament held in Zambia. It brings together teams from Zambia, Malawi, and Uganda to compete for the Zambezi Cup. The 2024 edition will take place from June 7th to 9th in Lusaka, Zambia.
The Hockey Cranes and She Cranes will brave about 2,500km on the road from Lugogo to Lusaka, through Tanzania, for the tri-nation series that has also attracted national teams from Zambia and Malawi.
The teams have had focused training sessions at the National Hockey Stadium in Lugogo over the last two weeks under the guidance of coaches Vincent Arnold Kasasa (men) and Moses Nsereko (women).
The Hockey Cranes have avoided Zambia in the last two continental events namely; the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana and the African Olympic Qualifiers in South Africa last year.
“In 2011 and 2012, I trained with the national team twice but we did not go anywhere,” Kasasa said at the flag off ceremony that was officiated by National Council of Sports (NCS) assistant general secretary David Ssemakula Katende.
“At some point we lost hope. So it was always my wish that one day we get to represent our country and I am so happy that NCS has enabled us to reach this far,” Kasasa, who will be handling the team for a third tournament out of the recent four, said.
Coach Kasasa has named nine of the players that represented Uganda at the two tournaments – among whom are captainEmmanuel Baguma and his deputies Jordan Mpiima and Solomon Mutalya. Innocent Raskara and Charles Ekapolon who were part of the side that played the Bi- nation Series in Kenya in 2021 are also back.
There are also places for national team debutants Brian Ofoyimungu, Elias Okello, Elvis Opoya, Innocent Tumukunde, Jackson Musinguzi, Jordan Achaye and 17 year old ShaficAbdul.
“This is a great opportunity for exposure and to increase our participation in international games, especially for the young players. Hopefully, by the end of the year and when we get to the Africa Cup, we shall be able to win the competitive games,” Baguma said.
The Hockey She Cranes, on the other hand, will be motivated by the chance to settle a score as they lost 2-1 to Zambia at the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations. Thuwaibah Kiggundu, who scored Uganda’s consolation and lone goal in the tournament, is among the six returnees from the 2022 squad that also include captain Norah Alum. Carol Aguti, who also went to Kenya 2021, returns too but coach Nsereko is set to hand out 11 debuts.
“This will be the third time that the Hockey She Cranes leave to represent the country and we are grateful to Uganda Hockey Association and National Council of Sports (NCS) for the opportunity.
“Unfortunately, we did not go to the Olympic Qualifiers last year but we will use the Zambezi Series to prepare for future tournaments,” Nsereko said.
Assistant captains Hildah Star Balondemu and Rachael Atimjoin Anitah Atim, Evas Akello, Hajarah Namwase, Irene Atim, Melissa Namuleme, Vanessa Abeja, Vero Atima, Winnie Atimand 18 year old defender Winnie Nandi among those expecting to earn their first cap in the upcoming tournament.
“We are not only going to participate but to make a difference. We want to return home with a trophy so we are seen in a different state,” Alum said.
The contingent will be led by UHA president Philip Wafula, who believes this young team is the foundation block for the dream to play at the 2026 World Cup.
Men
Goalkeepers: Charles Ekapolon, Richard Kaijuka
Outfield players: Alfred Agaba, Brian Bayuule, Brian Okodi, Brian Ofoyimungu, Elias Okello, Elvis Opoya, Emmanuel Baguma (captain), Innocent Raskara, Innocent Tumukunde, Jackson Musinguzi, Jordan Achaye, Jordan Mpiima (assistant captain), Maxwell Mugisha, Shafic Abdul, Solomon Mutalya(second assistant captain), Stewart Kavuma
Coach: Vincent Arnold Kasasa
Assistant coach: Bernard Bwire
Team manager: Byron Matovu
Physio: Joseph Segane
Other members of the contingent Goalkeeping Coach: Dulf Musoke Team Doctor: Emmanuel Ewochu
Kit Manager: Joshua Masawi Assistant Kit Manager: Paul Kayanga
Media Officers:
Makhtum Muziransa, James Mugisha
Women
Goalkeepers: Hajarah Namwase, Melissa Namuleme
Outfield players: Anitah Atim, Carol Aguti, Evas Akello, Hildah-Star Balondemu (assistant captain), Irene Atim, Joy Sserunjogi, Lucky Akello, Margaret Nassiwa, Norah Alum (captain), Rachael Atim (second assistant captain), ThuwaibahKiggundu, Vanessa Abeja, Vero Atima, Winnie Alaro, Winnie Atim, Winnie Nandi
Coach: Moses Nsereko Assistant coach: Martin Okello Team manager: Bridget Baine Physio: Desire Mukisa
Tournament Appeals Jury: Philip Wafula Umpires Manager: Stanley Tamale Technical Officials:
Richard Ssemwogerere, Daniel Kyaligonza Umpires:
Kenneth Tamale, Rooney Aheebwe
“This will be the third time that the Hockey She Cranes leave to represent the country and we are grateful to Uganda Hockey Association and National Council of Sports (NCS) for the opportunity.
Click to find more breaking stories on our WhatsApp Channel https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaIhJNP9MF8wVrmIJF08
