Netball: The Rock Off To South Africa for Maiden International Outting
The Uganda National Netball Team, The Rock board Uganda Airlines to fly to South Africa for first ever international males Netball championship.
The contingent of sixteen was flagged off yesterday at Cupper Chimney Lugogo by the team Patron and proprietor of Kampala University, Prof. Badru Kateregga Kiggundu who emphasized them to go for competition not participation.
“Currently in Uganda we hugely welcome back those who have won not those who have participated, so we are sending you to South Africa to compete not to participate.” Professor to Athletes.
The same professor bought the tickets for the team and revealed why he hugely involved in the financing of the national team during this regime compared to the past one.
“The past federation leaders didn’t understand my contribution and love for the sport of netball in this country. This federation have a knowledge of who is who in the sports of Uganda, so they understand me more and I promise to support them more,” a passionate professor Kateregga highlighted.
The federation president Sarah Babirye Kityo also used the platform to pledge her support to developing the Men’s team to the World Cup level.
“I promised to develop women, youth and men’s netball in my reign, this is just a beginning,” Sarah Babirye Kityo netball president asserted.
“The invitation of this tournament came on short notice but we decided to take part in it because it will help us to sharp ourselves ahead of 2022 Morocco Nations Cup.
It came in the period where the Federation had no finances but I take this opportunity to thank all those who have come to our rescue, Beyond the Sky Uganda, Ssingo, BungaBet and Ministry of Health, these partners have been so wonderful to us.” Said Sarah Babirye Kityo.
The team will be aiming at qualifying for the African Nations Cup that is slated for March 2022 in Morocco.
This will be the first time that the Uganda men’s team get to compete internationally since 2008 when the U21 team showed face at the championships in Nairobi Kenya.
The International Males Netball Challenge Cup tht is slated to throw off on 14th September nine teams: South Africa(the hosts), Pakistan, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Lesotho, Action, and others.
Team Squad
Oryen Stephen, Kigozi Gonzaga Conza, Kimbowa Hussein, Muzahura Wilberforce, Wasswa Disan Mubiru, Ssekyondwa Bonny, Eppa Richard Eric, Katumba Juma, Kato Hassan Nouredine, Ssenfuka Joseph, Santino Mandut, and James Bogere.
Team Manager: Dr. Sarah Nkonge
Head Coach: Vicent Kiwanuka
Assistant: Wasswa Andrew
Team Physiotherapist: Dr. Christopher Mbowa
Statician: Assimwe Jesse
Media attaché: Nakate Olivia