The Ndejje Elites suffered a defeat at the hands of KCCA in the national volleyball league semi-final series, which led to a tied score and left them contemplating their next move ahead of a crucial game this weekend.
Ronald Kitosi, Head Coach of the Elites, who is currently studying in Leipzig, Germany, spoke about his experience and the team’s performance in the 2022/23 season playoffs, in an exclusive with Afrosports.
He shared how challenging his studies were at first due to the winter weather in Leipzig, adding on that he is now adjusting well.
“At the beginning, it was challenging due to the weather. By the time I arrived, it was winter, but it’s slowly turning into summer, and now it’s becoming more conducive,” Kitosi revealed.
He also mentioned that his prior knowledge about volleyball and sports medicine is helping him to navigate his studies.
“The studies are a bit complex, but my prior knowledge about volleyball and sports medicine is helping me to understand everything. Being here is lots of fun, and I believe I’m gaining some of the best knowledge in the world that will not only benefit the Ndejje University Club but also the entire nation in terms of volleyball,” he said.
Turning to the team’s performance in the playoffs, Ronald expressed pride in the team’s ability to bounce back from earlier losses and win a game in the playoffs.
The Elites won game one (3-1) in the playoffs against KCCA ladies who retaliated last Saturday to win game two in a tie breaker.
He acknowledged that his departure from the team had an impact, but he believes that the coaches currently working with the team are doing a great job.
“Actually, I give credit to the team and am proud of the ladies. Winning the first game was wonderful. Remember, they lost against KCCA and KCB Nkumba after my departure in their last games. However, they managed, together with the coaches, to come together, which is why you saw them winning the first game 3-1. Even in the second game, they didn’t perform badly because they lost 3-2, which is still not bad,” he said.
“I believe there is a bigger impact of my departure because they were used to me, and I knew each player’s strength and weak point. However, I believe the coaches on the ground are doing a great job because they have managed to boost their morale.”
However, Ronald stated that he is in touch with the team every day and providing advice that can help them make a comeback in the third game.
He also believes that if they work on their small errors this week, they will be a better side for game three.
When asked about the upcoming game against KCCA (Game three on Sunday at 4 pm), Ronald was quick to predict that the team with the best service and defense would emerge victorious.
The Ndejje Elites are the defending champions in the women’s Serie A of the Uganda national volleyball league, and their performance in Sunday’s game will determine if they make it to the finals.
Despite the challenges this season which include the absence of a senior attacker in Christine Alupo (which has left Catherine Ainembabazi on the spot), the team remains determined to defend their title.
“To my team, it’s not over yet. Let’s get down to the drawing board, work on our weaknesses, and come back stronger this weekend. As for the fans, let’s continue to enjoy volleyball, otherwise, I miss all the action,” he concluded.
The Elites face tough competition in the playoffs against a charged KCCA with Shilla Omuriwe on the wheel.
But under the guidance of the interim technical bench led by the soft-spoken Sadat Waguma, they remain confident in their abilities to emerge victorious after the final whistle in game three.
The next opponent of the weekend’s winner will be Sport-S, who secured a place in the final of the women’s Serie A by defeating the reigning National Club Champions OBB.
