The Uganda Nile Warriors U20 volleyball team held their first training session at the Hassan Mustafa Sports Arena on Friday, and head coach Joshua Osiya liked what he saw.
Uganda is in Egypt for the Under-20 Volleyball Africa Nations Championship, which also serves as a qualifier for the U21 World Championship later this year in Qatar.
The 17-member team; 12 players and five officials was flagged off on Thursday at Lugogo before traveling to Cairo.
After the first drills, Osiya was encouraged by how quickly the players adjusted.
“The boys are feeling the ground, and the surface isn’t very different from what we’ve been training on back home,” he said. “They are in good shape and ready to give us a good result.”
The coach admitted there were some travel hiccups, including missing kits, but he remained positive.
“We believe we shall have them tonight, so tomorrow we’ll be ready,” he noted.
The tournament draw is still pending, but Osiya is already looking ahead.
“Our aim is to finish top of the group and then face a stronger team from the other side,” he said.
“The focus is clear, qualify from here and reach the World Cup.”
Uganda must finish in the top three to book a ticket to Qatar. With Kenya and Rwanda also in the mix, competition will be tough, but Osiya believes his team is prepared.
“Nobody is sick, nobody is injured. Trust this team, Uganda will get a good result.”
The Africa Nations Championship runs until September 20.
