We can pick inspiration from Uganda Cranes, says athletics coach Longiross

Stephen Kiprotich

KAMPALA-The national football team Cranes, returned yesterday from the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon this morning.

But while their campaign ended early at the group stages, following two losses to giants Egypt and Ghana plus one draw to Mali, their efforts and performances will stay in memory for some Ugandans, not least in the mind of athletics coach Benjamin Longiross.

Longiross believes this is a feel good story his athletes can identify with as he looks to inspire them ahead of the IAAF World Athletics Championship due at Kololo Independence Grounds on March 26.

“The Cranes might not have gone past the group stages but they have represented us well given the competitions they encountered,” Longiross, who expects the residential camp in Kapchorwa to start this weekend, said.

Longiross has a team of proven winners that includes former world and Olympic champion Stephen Kiprotich (picture inset), world beaters like Joshua Cheptegei, Timothy Toroitich and athletes full of potential like Stella Chesang.

His challenge will certainly lie in assimilating their individual goals into a national cause.
“Cranes performances were credible and we can learn from them if we want to represent our country very highly.

“Athletics is an individual sport where you have to expose and sell yourself but there are elements of teamwork. And for our camp and mixed relay, we shall need to borrow from that togetherness the Cranes displayed in Gabon,” he added.

TEAM UGANDA
Senior men: Joshua Cheptegei, Phillip Kipyeko, Abdallah Kibet Mande, Timothy Toroitich, Stephen Kiprotich, Stephen Kiisa, Fred Musobo and Mande Bushendich
Senior women: M. Chelangat, Rachael Chebet, Dorcus Ajok, Doreen Chesang, Doreen Chemutai, Annet Chebet, Juliet Chekwel, Stella Chesang
U20 men: Jacob Kiplimo, Titus Kwemoi, Victor Kiplangat, Elisha Chemutai, Kevin Kibet, Mathew Chepkrui, Anthony Ayeko and Abel Chebet
U20 women: Peruth Chemutai, Janat Chemusto, Esther Chekwemoi, Sarah Chelangat, Scarlett Chemos, Adha Munguleya, Joy Cheptoek, Benna Sukuku
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