27th Africa Club Volleyball Championship: 3rd – 17th April 2017
Keliba, Tunisia
Expectations of an improved performance from Ndejje University Women Volleyball side ‘The Elites’ at the 27th Africa Clubs championships are high.
As the team was officially flagged off on Monday morning at the Lugogo Indoor Arena, the body language of the players, firm speeches from the team officials and university administrators conveyed one message in unison – confidence.
Speaker after speaker revealed the team had learnt from their previous three outings at the continental level, and will not be a ‘punching bag’ of sorts.
Wilfred Kato Muhumuza, the leader of delegation stressed, “We have learnt a lot from the previous editions in Madagascar and two in Tunisia. This time round, the players are ready to progress further”
Muhumuza lauded the National Council of Sports for the provision of the Indoor facility to the team where they have been able to train since January.
“We thank NCS for providing the Lugogo Indoor facility where we have trained to acclimatize to the indoor atmosphere” Muhumuza added.
Team captain, Belinda Jepkirui promised a better show this time round while on continental duty.
“We have done the right homework and most of the players have matured to play at the biggest stage” Jepkirui, one of the Kenyans on the team noted.
Head coach Johnson Kawenyeera singled out the strong bond that he has built around the team as one of the key factors for the team ahead of the Tunisia championship.
We have built a great team chemistry over the past three years. There are only two new faces on the team (Olivia Tushermereirwe and Shamim Nalukabwe).
Also, we have been training since January and we are ready to fight for our dear country with a target of making the quarter finals.
The Magreb region teams from Tunisia, Libya and Algeria remain our biggest threats with Kenya’s Pipeline another team to watch out for
The team was officially flagged by the General Secretary, NCS Nicholas Muramagi who urged the players to fight hard for their mother country.
Flanked by his deputy, David Semakula Katenda, Muragi reminded the traveling team that they are now representing the country not playing at individual club level.
National Council of Sports also pledged to offer logistical support to the team.
This will be the fourth team that Ndejje University shall be competing in the tournament.
The 16 man contingent departs in the wee hours of Monday aboard Turkish Airlines.
They will be accompanied by an international FIVB referee, Dorothy Namusoke.
The tournament shall be held for close to a fortnight between 3rd to 17th April in the Tunisian town of Keliba.
Ndejje University Traveling Delegation:
Players: Belinda Jepkirui (Captain), Christine Alupo, Sharon Amito, Emma Mwangi, Jesica Kaidu, Shamim Nalukabwe, Keren Nyakecho, Olivia Kavunane, Moreen Mwamula, Veroline Aanyu, Saidat Nungi, Joan Tushermeriwe
Officials:
Head of delegation: Wilfred Kato Muhumuza
Head coach: Johnson Kawenyeera
Assistant Coach: Alex Mugoda
International Referee: Dorothy Namusoke