Uganda Women’s National Volleyball team, also known as the Lady Volleyball Cranes, is set to return to action after a long hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The team will begin preparations for the Zone V Qualifiers of the All Africa Games in June, with an eye on representing their country in Ghana this August.
To reveal this was Uganda Volleyball Federation President Sadik Nasiwu, who was joined by his VIce Abdallah Kiggundu at a team unveiling on Monday at the Old Kampala Arena where the coaches and squad for the team were announced.
“We were disturbed by Covid-19 in the past edition and we are giving priority to the gender that was left behind when Our Men’s team went to Rwanda,” Nasiwu said.
“We have a very competitive advantage in the Ladies category and we are very excited to see them play again. We are also not participating, we want to compete.
“We are participating come rain or shine. We want to start early in terms of preparations.”
The team will be under the guidance of experienced KCB Nkumba coach Peter Tonny Lakony, who will be assisted by Bart Munting and former player Mariam Nakamanya.
The coaches expressed their confidence in the team’s ability to perform well in the upcoming qualifiers and the All Africa Games.
“We want to do it once a week for the start because these players are going to be busy with their Clubs as we are entering the National League playoffs,” Lakony said.
“Then after, we will train twice or more in a week. We will even change venues to Old Kampala and Lugogo and we shall hopefully enter Residential Camp in May.”
The Volleyball She Cranes will begin their training sessions next week, with a focus on improving their skills and tactics ahead of the qualifiers.
The training will be held every Tuesday evening from 5pm to 8pm at the International School of Uganda in Lubowa for the next six weeks.
Speaking at the briefing, Nasiwu emphasized the importance of supporting the team in their quest to qualify for the All Africa Games.
He urged all stakeholders to rally behind the Volleyball She Cranes and provide them with the necessary resources and support to help them achieve their goals.
The Lady Volleyball Cranes last played a competitive game in 2019, but they are eager to return to the court and represent their country with pride.
With the right training and support, they hope to make Uganda proud by qualifying for the All Africa Games and showcasing their talent on the international stage.
The Squad
Outside Hitters – Joan Tushemereitwe (KCCA), Ketty Aluka (KCCA), Moreen Mwamula (OBB), Comfort Twesiime (Sport-S)
Receiver Attackers – Catherine Ainembabazi (Ndejje Elites), Diana Assimwe (Sport-S), Habiba Namala (KCB Nkumba), Eunice Amuron (KCC), Monica Aloyo (KCB Nkumba)
Middle Blockers – Agnes Akanyo (OBB), Jennifer Alungat (KCB Nkumba), Supernatural Mbakusiimira (KCCA), Scholar Akello (VVC)
Setters – Acan Oliver (OBB), Doreen Akiteng (Sport-S)
Universal Players – Margaret Namyalo (KCCA), Evas Nayebale (UCU), Hadija Otin (OBB), Mouricia Nabuuma (KAVC)
Libero – Patricia Musubika
