Ndejje target more silverware
Dorcus Ajok has her sights set on the World Cross Country and World University Games. Photo by Cris Omollo
KAMPALA- There was a unanimous concern regarding the way Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) organised the just-concluded 10th edition of the East Africa University Games (EAUG).
“We were not happy with the meals,” preferring anonymity, one of the sprinters on the UCU winning men’s 4X100m relay team disclosed to Sunday Monitor.
“The lines for meals were long and the hygiene of the JKUAT (toilets and bathrooms) was wanting,” he went on.
The situation improved each day as the games went on.
Makerere University Business School football coach Charles Ayiekoh, whose side beat Ndejje University 2-0 for third place, had his own complaints.
“There have been so many mercenaries let into the Games,” he said. “And the refereeing (for football) standards were below par here.”
Many concurred that Uganda Christian University (UCU) organised better games during the 2014 edition in Mukono.
Regardless, Ndejje University overcame more than such challenges to win their third successive regional title after claiming the 2013 and 2014 titles. The Luwero-based side gathered 94 medals.
And the result, comprising 36 golds, 28 silver and 30 bronze medals vindicates the institution’s investment in sport.
“We spent about $70,000 (Shs250m) to prepare the team for Nairobi and it paid off,” Ndejje’s Public Relations Officer Collins Ssemanda said.
“While we hope to beat Makerere’s record (six titles) at the EAUG, our next target is to send as many representatives as possible to the World Games,” Ndejje’s head of delegation Paul Kayongo offered.
The 2017 World University Games are slated for August 19-30 in Taiwan.
At the 2015 edition in Gwanju, South Korea, Ndejje’s Dorcus Ajok powered to women’s 1500m gold in a season best time of 4:18.53.
At the Safaricom Kasarani Stadium earlier this week, Ajok was Ndejje’s best on track as she scooped triple gold in 800m, 1500m and 5000m.
“My plan is to keep in shape for the World Cross-country (January) and the World University Games,” the 24-year-old said.
