Uganda will be competing in both the men and women’s categories at the first Under 18 Hockey 5s Youth Africa Cup at the Sikh Union Club in Nairobi, Kenya.
The tournament doubles as a qualifier for the inaugural FIH Hockey5s U18 World Cup due in December in South Korea and only the top two teams per gender qualify.
The Ugandan women coached by Martin Okello and captained by Phionah Amaro, of Kakungulu Memorial School, will play against Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa.
The men coached by Vincent Kasasa and captained by Daniel Alvin Kinyera of City High School will play against the hosts Nigeria, and South Africa.
“We assure you of bringing back good results,” Okello said during Tuesday’s flag-off at the National Council of Sports (NCS) in Lugogo.
The flag-off was presided over by Senior Sports Officer Ann Nankya on behalf of Bernard Patrick Ogwel, the NCS general secretary.
“You, as Uganda Hockey Association (UHA), have done great to come up with this team and many others you have nurtured in the past.
“We (NCS) highly advocate for grassroots development so this is a tick extended to you. This milestone is not just a celebration but a reminder of the responsibility the athletes carry in representing our country.
“You carry hopes and aspirations of the nation that believes in your abilities,” Nankya said.
UHA president Phillip Wafula reminded the players that “if you qualify (for Korea), it will be the first time Uganda will be in an international event since 1972 when we competed in the Olympics (in Germany).”
“We hope that with your efforts, we will change that bit of history.”
The team that took the road trip to Nairobi travelled with motivation from their parents too.
“It is our pride that you are representing the nation,” Robert Ssekimpi Ssessanga parent to Sasha Bayita, said.
“It was not easy decision (to allow her be part of the team) as she was doing her mocks. But these things (national team engagements) come once a while.
“As parents, we have high hopes in you. These opportunities are the foundations of your future. They come with limelight but remember that you must have the right motivation and inspiration. Try to win and not just to participate because we want you to show that you belong to the world level,” he added.
Meanwhile, Emmanuel Baguma and Rooney Aheebwe were appointed by by FIH as umpires for the games while Pauline Ninsiima will served as a technical official.