Kampala, Uganda – 15 April 2025 | Uganda’s National Junior Women’s Hockey Team is gearing up for a major continental showdown as they prepare to compete at the Junior Africa Cup in Windhoek, Namibia, from April 18th to 25th, 2025.
The 17-member squad, composed entirely of young talent sourced from local schools and clubs, is set to depart for Namibia on April 17th and will return on April 27th. Led by 18-year-old captain Jolly Roy Alimo and coached by Moses Nsereko, the team is eyeing a top-three finish, which would secure automatic qualification for the Junior World Cup in Santiago, Chile this December.
“We’re not going just to participate—we are going to compete,” said Alimo, confident that the team has what it takes to replicate last year’s success in Zambia. With Ghana having withdrawn, Uganda’s opening clash with Namibia could be a decisive fixture in determining their path to the semi-finals. However, the toughest test is expected to come against South Africa, one of the tournament’s top-ranked sides.
“Hockey is a team sport, and I believe that if we work together, we’ll win together. We have Namibia and South Africa in our pool. Our plan is to beat Namibia comfortably and then give it our all against South Africa. A win against Namibia will take us straight to the semi-finals, especially since Ghana has pulled out of the tournament.” She added.
Head coach Moses Nsereko expressed satisfaction with the team’s preparation and composition, emphasizing the players’ growth and commitment. “This tournament is also a critical build-up for the senior women’s team ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations in August,” Nsereko said.
The team’s preparations have been intense, including a residential training camp that began in March. A consultant from Trinidad and Tobago was brought in to enhance technical sessions, and for the first time, video analysis has been incorporated into the team’s strategy work.
“We’re feeling positive. We brought in a consultant from Trinidad and Tobago who enhanced our technical training. We also used video analysis to help the girls identify and correct their mistakes. We selected 17 players, all from local clubs and schools. Unfortunately, some of the schools were located far away, making transportation to Kampala a challenge. Still, I’m confident we selected the best team for the job.” He concluded.
Despite logistical challenges in transporting players from remote schools, the coaching staff remains upbeat about the squad’s readiness.
Among the debutants is 17-year-old Daniellah Amara, a Senior Four student at Mt. St. Henry’s College Namagunga. The tournament comes at a critical time when most schools in Uganda are conducting end-of-term exams. Despite the clash with academics, Amara remains focused. “Exams will come again, and I’ll be ready for them. But this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” she said, calling her national team debut a major inspiration for her school team.
“It feels so good to represent the national team at this level. Personally, this opportunity means a lot. As the captain of my school team, I believe this experience is a big inspiration for the girls I lead.” Amara added.
The event serves as a qualifier for the 2025 Junior World Cup, adding significance to every match on the field. The top three teams per gender will qualify for the Junior World Cup to be hosted in Chennai, India, for men and Santiago, Chile, for women.
Squad List:
Players:
Jolly Roy Alimo, Winnie Sarah Nandi, Hildah Star Balondemu, Destiny Atukunda Bwengye, Anita Liz Atim, Hajirah Namwase, Ingrid Tendo Nabayijja, Irine Atim, Janet Nakato, Juliana Eve Serunjogi Nabatanzi, Juliet Babirye, Nelly Temaiya, Pauline Ninsiima, Rhemah Ahairwe, Stella Nankinga, Grace Noeline Natabo, Daniellah Amara
Officials:
Moses Nsereko (Head Coach), Martin Amr Okello (Assistant Coach), Davis Nku (Assistant Coach), Bridget Baine, Emmanuel Ewochu, Richard Semwogerere, Kenneth Tamale, Stanley Tamale
