Katende urges UHA, hockey clubs to increase vibrancy

Ambassadors. The National U-19 side after being flagged off on Friday. PHOTO BY MAKHTUM MUZIRANSA

KAMPALA. One of the highlights of the current Uganda Hockey Association (UHA) leadership is the revival of national teams.
Former UHA president Dunstan Nsubuga, banned national teams in 2011 over player indiscipline and was for long reluctant to revive them. Even when he attempted in 2014, his plan fell through as the Nile Basin Tournament organized by Egypt was cancelled.
Lydia Dhamuzungu has focused her energies on popularising the sport and she thinks can do this through resuscitated national teams.

Last year, U-18 teams for both girls and boys were put together in lead to the Africa Youth Games in June in Algeria.
That plan fell through due to financial reasons but she did not despair. In December, a select men’s national side was sent to Bungoma, western Kenya where it won the Magharib Festival. Today an U-19 side completes a series of games that started yesterday at the FIH (International Hockey Federation) TAP East Africa 5-aside Tournament at City Park Hockey Stadium, Nairobi.

“A few year ago, hockey had killed itself,” National Council of Sports (NCS) assistant general secretary (technical) David Ssemakula Katende, said as he flagged off the team on Friday. “But from where I sit, I think the leadership in the association is sound. Hopefully, the players can take this opportunity to learn.
You are under 19 meaning there is a huge future ahead of you. But to have a strong national team, UHA and the clubs must ensure there is vibrant competition in local tournaments,” he added. Kenya finished third in Algeria last year and therefore have the better experience at this.