Appearing at the Africa Clubs Championships for the fourth time, Ndejje Elites’ captain Belinda Jepkirui is one of the most experienced players on the team.
Her involvement with the team at their first appearance in Antananarivo, Madagascar and the last two in Tunisia makes her one of the pillars the team will rely on to make a good account of themselves in Tunis.
When the tournament volleys off in Tunis, it will be a big challenge for the team but Jepkirui is confident the her experience and that of the other players on the team will push them further this time round.
“It’s a big challenge for us as a team but we have enough experience on the team and we want to try and do better,” Jepkirui told Kawowo Sports.
Going to Tunisia for the second time in two years and the third overall, Ndejje will not expect to have any acclimatisation challenges during the event.
With three appearances at the Championship, Ndejje’s best performance is an 8th place finish in Antananarivo, Madagascar in 2013.
Ndejje is Uganda’s only representative at the tournament with National Clubs Championship winners, Sport-S failing to raise funds for the tournament.
Jepkirui, Saidat Nnungi, Maureen Mwamula, Jesca Kaidu and Christine Alupo are some of the senior players Ndejje will rely on to have another go at beating their best finish.
To Jepkirui, the return of senior setter Jesca Kaidu is a big boost to the side at the continental level. Kaidu made a U-turn having joined Sport-S after her school days with the university side.
“We have a mature setter now and that is important for any team to compete to compete.”
To qualify for the championship, Ndejje defeated Nkumba to win the national league title.
Ndejje touched down in Tunis on Tuesday evening and will know their opponents after the technical meeting on Wednesday.