Kampala Hockey Club captain Jordan Mpiima remained optimistic as the Stallions ended their Africa Cup for Club Champions (ACCC) campaign in Harare, saying the experience gained will benefit Ugandan hockey despite disappointing results.
“Unfortunately the results did not go our way, but we are happy for the experience we’ve gained,” Mpiima said after the final group matches.
“For our young and new players, we hope to use this exposure back home next season to help us grow further in the sport.”
His remarks reflected a team that refused to judge its journey purely on wins and losses.
Although they exited at the group stage, Kampala Hockey Club showed steady improvement with sharper passing, better defensive shape and growing belief against seasoned continental opponents.
The badge was worn with pride even when the odds were against them.
Making their third straight appearance at the continental tournament, the Stallions competed in Pool A of the 36th edition held from January 24–31 at St. John’s College Astro Turf in Harare.
They opened with a narrow 3–2 loss to Namibia’s School of Environmental Health after conceding late goals.
A 4–1 defeat to Kenya’s USIU-A followed, where creative build-up play was undone by clinical finishing.
Kenya’s USIU-A
KHC continued to fight, pushing Egyptian giants Sharkia in a tight 2–1 loss before closing their group campaign against Port Fouad of Egypt in search of a better classification.
While victories proved elusive, their competitiveness against North and East Africa’s elite highlighted gradual progress.
Off the field, Mpiima praised the tournament environment and hospitality in Zimbabwe, noting the favourable weather, good accommodation and overall exposure for the team.
Led by Uganda Hockey Association president Philip Wafula and Chef de Mission Sarah Arinaitwe, the 30 member Ugandan delegation including 18 players, treated the ACCC as more than a competition.
It served as a learning platform, a test for emerging talent like Ian Baguma and a stepping stone for the sport’s growth back home.
Despite the 2–1 defeat to Egyptian giants Sharkia, 19 year old Baguma remained optimistic, choosing to focus on the lessons and opportunity the continental stage offered.
The Kampala HC Stallions’ youngest player, who also scored, admitted the strength of their opponents but praised his team’s resilience.
Facing a 28-time champion was never going to be easy, he said, yet the Stallions “put up a good fight” and took pride in keeping the score close against a side many expected to dominate.
Scoring on his tournament debut was a special personal moment, but Ian stayed grounded, adding that he can deliver even better performances if he keeps his focus and belief.
He also had a message for supporters back home and young aspiring players, urging them not to lose hope after setbacks.
Ian stressed that “with God, everything is possible,” reminding them that big opportunities can come at any age.
His advice was simple, train hard, use every chance you get and trust the process.
