Cana could not have come at a better time – Kasujja

Ben Kaganda is expected to lead from the front in the 13-14 years age category during the third Cana Zone III Championships. PHOTO BY MAKHTUM MUZIRANSA

KAMPALA- Ugandan swimmers were urged to concentrate on lowering their times rather than the overall top prize at the third Cana Zone III Championships due October 19-21 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Uganda, which hosted and won – thanks to its large numbers – the first edition in 2015, will have 17 swimmers that jet out tomorrow morning for the three day event as some pulled out over financial reasons (the trip costs about $800 or Shs3m per head) and other commitments.

“We must be able to put up commendable individual performances but looking at the entries, it will be hard to win the overall trophy because South Africa and Zambia are surprisingly bringing big numbers like the hosts,” national coach Tonnie Kasujja, told Daily Monitor.

Kasujja, who conducted the final training session yesterday at Gems Cambridge International School - Butabika, before the team was flagged off, believes that the championship could not have come at a better time as most of his swimmers are at the stage of their “training programmes where they start to peak and lower times with ease.

“Some are at the top of their age groups so I expect them to enjoy the competition,” Kasujja explained in reference to 12-year olds Francesco Kagugube and Kirabo Namutebi in the 11-12 years age group plus 14-year olds Ben Kaganda and Darren Ssamula, who will swim in the 13-14 years age group.
While the coach also expects Mercedes Mwebeiha, 13, to hold her own, the sternest test lies in the senior age category which will be either 15 and over or 17 & over depending on the race.

Adnan Kabuye and Tendo Mukalazi, who just turned 15, will have their potential examined while Avice Meya, 23, will be tasked with replicating the form that has seen her break personal bests at this year at the World University Games, Islamic Solidarity Games and World Championships.

TEAM UGANDA AT THE CANA ZONE III CHAMPIONSHIPS
Girls: Avice Meya, Chiara Nansamba, Mercedes Mwebeiha
Diana Athieno, Hannat Nakimuli, Rachael Galinda, Zara Nsubuga, Kirabo Namutebi

Boys: Francesco Kagugube, Darren Ssamula, Ben Kaganda, Tendo Mukalazi
Alvin Emitu, Samora Byansi, Samora Lumonya, Alvin Okware, Peter Mbabazi
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