USSSA products shinning for team Uganda at 13th African Games in Accra.
The African games happening in Accra, Ghana have been a good place for USSSA products to show their skills and talents. The games that kicked off on the 4th March will go on until 24th March. The Ugandan contingent of 17 disciplines is nothing short of students who have been through USSSA games while others are still students in various schools.
Badminton
Husina Kobugabe and Gladys Mbabazi secured Uganda’s first gold medal at the ongoing African Games in Accra, Ghana on Sunday after winning the badminton Women’s Doubles final when they overcame Algeria’s Halla Bouksani and Tanina Violette Mammeri in straight sets.
Husinah Kobugabe beat Kate Foo Kune from Mauritius to qualify for the singles semi-final stage while Fadilah Mohammed also qualified for semi-final.
“They have sacrificed a lot and played gallantly” Head Coach, William Kabindi said to Kawowo Sports reporter, Isabirye David
Two Ugandans Tracy Naluwooza and Gladys Mbabazi did not progress past the quarter final stage.
Table Tennis
Officials
Men
1. Jonathan Senyonga (Mbogo College)
2. Samuel Ankunda (Kibuli SSS)
Ladies
1. Jemimah Nakawala (Kibuli SSS)
2. Parvin Judith Nangonzi (Kibuli SSS)
3. Shanitah Namaala (Mbogo High School)
Nangonzi Judith Parvin from Kibuli SS won two of her three singles games against Moises Nema from Angola (3-0) and Zoglami Mariam from Tunisa (3-2) but fell to Egyptian Helmi Yousra (3-0).
Nakawala Jemimah from Kibuli SS beat Mihindou Ruth from Gabon (3-0) and lost to Garci Fadwa from Tunisia (0-3)
During doubles Nsereko Sharif and Naamala Shanitah beat Cindani Sheldon and Gamago Beria from Congo,Ssenyonga Jonathan and Nangozi Parvin beat the Kenyan pair of Mutua Brian and Lisa Nasimiyu(3-1)
“Ssenyonga Jonathan will require more esxposure,Ankunda Samuel should understand that planning for each game is very important while all the female players must improve on theior footwork going forward”. Jjagwe Robert, the team manager and President Uganda Table Tennis Association as noted in his report.
Capacity Building
Handball Instructors Aziz Yakoub is the head coach of the women handball team and is being deputized by fellow instructor Jimmie Remmie.
The handball games that start on 14th March will see Uganda face Cameroon,D.R Congo and Mali in the group stages at Bortyman Sports complex. Patrica Arago , as student at Kawanda SS is also part of the 13-man team.
“We have prepared well and expect a competitive championship. The players are physically and mentally ready for the task at hand” Yakoub as he spoke to Kawowo Sports reporter David Isabirye.
Volleyball Refereeing instructor Komakech Innocent is also officiating at the games as well as Badminton’s Harriet Nattabi.