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Sport-S Ladies turning crucial corner in search of maiden league title
Sport-S middle blocker Agnes Akanyo attempts to block in a clash with KCCA. PHOTO/COURTESY
What you need to know:
With more experienced players like Esther Tumwebaze, Hillary Akankunda and Patricia Musubika, Sport-S remain as one of the front runners for this season’s title.
Sport-S Ladies have collected maximum points from two of the teams projected to be front runners for the women’s National Volleyball League title this season.
Sunday’s 3-1 win over 2023 champions KCCA came after a comprehensive 3-0 demolition of defending champions KCB-Nkumba, highlighting Sport-S’ readiness to fight for the ultimate prize this season.
The Nsambya outfit had fallen to KCCA 3-2 in the first round, but the second round result was testament to the team’s growth and ability to overcome adversity against tough opposition.
Over the years, Sport-S have assembled good squads that eventually choke when the stakes are high and the league trophy in sight.
The closest the team came to winning it was in 2023, but they fell to KCCA in the final to keep their fans waiting for a maiden championship.
“We are not there yet but you can tell that the team is growing and able to withstand any sort of pressure now,” head coach Malik Damulira told Daily Monitor after the win over KCCA.
“Our mental strength is up there now, and that’s what we need to be able to compete with more experienced teams,” he added.
Against KCCA, Sport-S’ fighting spirit was tested, with the Kasasiro Girls dominating the first set 25-21 to draw first blood.
That, however, did not seem to bother Sport-S, who bounced back to win the next three sets and collect maximum points.
With the league title there for the taking this season, Damulira’s charges have whatever it takes to fix themselves in the title conversation.
The addition of Flavia Umuhoza greatly improved the team’s setting department, ensuring that there is no drop in experience and quality when Doreen Akiteng is off the court.
The former VVC setter has started the majority of the games this far, with Akiteng providing the experience off the bench.
With more experienced players like Esther Tumwebaze, Hillary Akankunda and Patricia Musubika, Sport-S remain as one of the front runners for this season’s title.
National Volleyball League
Sport-S Ladies
Played: 11
Won: Nine
Lost: Two
Position: Second
