In the heart of East Africa, a determined squad of young women is preparing to write history. The Uganda U21 Women’s Hockey Team is set to take centre stage at the Junior Africa Cup, unfolding from April 18th to 25th in Windhoek, Namibia.
More than just a tournament, this continental showdown is a gateway to the Junior World Cup in Santiago, Chile and the Ugandan side is not just going to participate, they’re going to compete.
The 17-player squad, all drawn from Ugandan schools and local clubs, departs for Namibia on April 17th with dreams of clinching a top-three finish, the golden ticket to the World Cup.
Spearheading this young brigade is 18-year-old captain Jolly Roy Alimo whose leadership has already instilled a spirit of confidence and unity in the team.
“We’re not going just to participate, we are going to compete,” Alimo declares, a nod to Uganda’s successful campaign in Zambia last year.
With Ghana’s withdrawal, Uganda’s opening match against hosts Namibia becomes all the more crucial. A victory would propel them straight into the semifinals. But the real test lies ahead with South Africa, the tournament heavyweights.
“Hockey is a team sport, and I believe that if we work together, we’ll win together. Our plan is to beat Namibia comfortably and then give it our all against South Africa,” Alimo adds.
Under the guidance of Head Coach Moses Nsereko, the team has been undergoing rigorous preparations, including a residential camp that kicked off in March.
In a first for Ugandan junior hockey, video analysis was introduced into training sessions and a consultant from Trinidad and Tobago was brought in to sharpen the squad’s technical abilities.
“This tournament is also a critical build-up for the senior women’s team ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations in August,” Nsereko explains, highlighting the broader impact of this journey.
Despite challenges such as transporting players from distant schools to Kampala for training, the coaching staff remained steadfast. Nsereko notes that every selection was made with care and confidence, ensuring the best team was assembled to fly Uganda’s flag high.
Among the team’s debutants is 17-year-old Daniellah Amara, a Senior Four student at Mt. St. Henry’s College Namagunga. With the tournament coinciding with Uganda’s end-of-term exams, Amara had a choice: academics or ambition. She chose the latter, unapologetically.
“Exams will come again and I’ll be ready for them. But this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” she says.
Amara’s selection not only marks a personal milestone but also serves as motivation for her schoolmates.
“It feels so good to represent the national team at this level. As captain of my school team, I believe this experience is a big inspiration for the girls I lead.”
This year’s Junior Africa Cup carries added weight. It’s not just about continental bragging rights, it’s about securing a place at the 2025 Junior World Cup, set to take place in Chile for women and India for men. For Uganda, a top-three finish would be nothing short of a dream come true.
Traveling Players
Jolly Roy Alimo (Captain), Winnie Sarah Nandi, Hildah Star Balondemu, Destiny Atukunda Bwengye, Anita Liz Atim, Hajirah Namwase, Ingrid Tendo Nabayijja, Irine Atim, Janet Nakato, Juliana Eve Serunjogi Nabatanzi, Juliet Babirye, Nelly Temaiya, Pauline Ninsiima, Rhemah Ahairwe, Stella Nankinga, Grace Noeline Natabo, Daniellah Amara
Officials
- Head Coach – Moses Nsereko
- Assistant Coach – Martin Amr Okello
•2nd Assistant Coach – Davis Nku
Other officials include: Bridget Baine, Emmanuel Ewochu, Richard Semwogerere, Kenneth Tamale, Stanley Tamale
