Daniel Bongomin cements status as Handball’s best with MVP and Best Left Back awards

In a stunning display of athletic prowess, Ndejje University’s Daniel Bongomin was on Friday evening awarded the coveted titles of Best Player of the Year and Best Left Back at the glamorous third edition of the Uganda Handball Awards at Silver Springs in Bugolobi.

The awards ceremony, which was held last night, saw some of the most talented handball players in the Handball Super League gather to celebrate the sport and honor its top performers.

For Daniel, this was a particularly special moment as he was not only recognized as the Best Player of the Year, but also as the Best Left Back.

Bongomin poses with accolades for MVP and Best Left back at the 2022 Handball Awards 📸 courtesy image

This double honor speaks to his outstanding skills on the court and his ability to dominate the game from the left side of the fray.

As a left back, Daniel is responsible for attacking the opposing team’s defense, as well as defending his own team’s goal. It is a crucial position, and one that requires both physical and mental agility, as well as a deep understanding of the game.

With his lightning-fast reflexes, razor-sharp instincts, and unparalleled strategic thinking, it’s no wonder that Daniel has become a force to be reckoned with in the handball League.

But it’s not just his skills on the court that have earned Daniel these prestigious awards. Off the court, he is known for his dedication to his team and his unwavering commitment to the sport.

Speaking to our reporter after the awards ceremony, Daniel said, “I am truly humbled and honored to receive these awards. Handball is my passion, and I am so grateful to be able to play at this level. I owe a lot to my team, my coaches, and my family, who have supported me every step of the way. I look forward to continuing to play at the highest level and to bringing even more success to the sport in the years to come.

“It’s a great honor to me as a player who always admired my colleagues including my big brothers who were the best in the country. This always gave me courage and always motivated me to work for it and achieve it but finally the dream has come true. I really wanted it.”

With his incredible talent and unshakeable spirit, there’s no doubt that Daniel will continue to dominate the world of handball for years to come.

To bag the MVP accolade, he bested Makerere’s Emmanuel Lukenge, his teammate from Ndejje Edgar Ssemirimu, Prisons’ Brian Sserunjogi, and Kenneth Twinomugisha from Kyambogo University handball club.

“I really expected to win because I worked for this. I have always sacrificed time during weekends for personal training when I don’t have lectures, just to work on my weaknesses. However much you can’t exhaust them all, but you get rid of the excess baggage and as a sports man, you can judge your self depending on how much u give in. When you love what you do, you must be willing to learn new things and apply them in your play.” He said.

Bongomin, a third year student pursuing a Bachelor of Education in Arts at Ndejje University is currently enjoying benefits of a handball scholarship, which he says has relieved his parents from the burden of having to foot school dues.

The 23-year-old credits his brothers Tonny Olweny -a former player with Ndejje University handball club-, and Francis Ongom, who inspired him to join the sport while starting secondary education at Lubiri SS.

In the Men’s best left back of the year category, Bongomin once again emerged victorious over Shakib Nyanzi from Police Handball Club, Michael Okello of Prisons Spears Handball Club, and Mak Bulls’ Wilson Olugai.

Last season was bound to be a memorable one for Bongomin who from the onset cemented 10 goals against Police HC, in an opener that ended 36-27 in favor of Ndejje University Handball Club.

Ndejje University HC would later climax the season as league champions, with Bongomin taking home six man of the match accolades backed by his brilliant performances.

Other winners from last night’s awards were, Kibuli’s Ssemujju Frank Wyne who won best Women’s coach of the year, and George Isabirye, who won a similar award, but in the Men’s category.

Ndejje University HC also scooped another coveted award which was the Women’s MVP that went to Achola Lilian, who also won Best Center Back in the women’s category.

She beat Police HC’s Akongo Stella, teammate from Ndejje Bako Shakira, Kawanda SS left back Ddamulira Patience, and Women’s best right back of the year Ondoa Doreen from Police Handball Club.

Aziz Yakubu who heads the Players’ Commission in the Uganda Handball Federation told Afrosports that the motive behind such a ceremony is to appreciate the effort of their handball partners, to motivate players and to also improve the level of the national league.

Nominations are done by the Commission of Organization and Competitions, and the Players’ Commission.

A winner for each category was determined 30% by votes from the public, 50% from statistics and 20% by votes from Coaches and Team Captains.

Full List of winners

Most Disciplined Player – MEN
Lukenge Emmanuel (MAK BULLS H.C)

Best Young Player – MEN
Ssekamanya Geoffrey (POLICE HC)

Best Right Winger – MEN
Opio Victor (KYAMBOGO UNIVERSITY HC)

Best Goal Keeper – MEN
Omonyi Edmond (UPDF HC)

Best Center Back – MEN
Sseruhoji Brian (PRISONS SPEARS HC)

Best Right Back – MEN
Ssemirimu Edgar (NDEJJE UNIVERSITY HC)

Best Left Back – MEN
Bongomin Daniel (NDEJJE UNIVERSITY HC)

Most Disciplined Player – WOMEN
Anviko Gloria (MAK LADIES HC)

Best Young Player – WOMEN
Aber Priscilla (KYENGEZA BEES HC)