Uganda – Kenya Test Matches Fixtures
Thursday, Saturday and Sunday
14:30 UG VS KEN (W)
16:30 KEN VS UG (M)
Ugandan men and women national hockey teams will face their Kenyan counterparts in test matches slated for Thursday, 18th March 2021 to Sunday, 21st March 2021 at Sikh Union Club in Nairobi.
Ugandan sides left for the showpiece on Wednesday and will seek to bank on it as Uganda Hockey seeks to rebuild national sides.
The teams were flagged off on Tuesday by the National Council of Sports (NCS) in Lugogo, Kampala.
The test matches were confirmed days after the cancelation of the the Northeast Africa Cup of Nations (ACN) Hockey Qualifiers that were slated for the begining of this month in Nairobi. The qualifier was canceled because only the hosts and Uganda had confirmed their participation to Africa Hockey Federation (AfHF) by start of February. Tanzania, Seychelles, Sudan, Burundi and Egypt (women) did not commit to attend hence Uganda and Kenya (both sexes) automatically made it to the ACN slated for January 2022.
With every team set to play three matches, Weatherhead midfielder Timothy Ntumba is confident that Uganda will put up a good display at the meet.
“Honestly, the training has been fine and I feel everyone on the team is ready. Personally I have learnt much from Coach Kasasa since we started the training this year and the entire team is just fine,” Ntumba noted.
The test matches that are ratified by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) will help Uganda attain a ranking, which they last had in 2007 when the senior men’s team last had an engagement – the 2008 Olympic qualifiers.
Uganda and Kenya are very familiar sides at almost all levels and the Nairobi meet will surely be an interesting one.
“I have been playing against Kenyans since I started hockey and I believe they will give us a good run,” Ntumba revealed adding that the showpiece can open semi-pro or pro opportunities for most players.
With a strong pool of charges especially from title winning Wananchi leading their way, Uganda women’s team is also revved up for the do but Kenyans will surely be equal to the task.
Uganda Men’s Team :
Bosco Ochan (Captain), Solomon Mutalya, Ashraf Tumwesigye, Martin Okello, Timothy Ntumba, Maxwell Mugisha, Innocent Raskara, Stuart Kavuma, Brian Okodi, Thomas Opio, Alfred Agaba, Charles Ekapolon, Moses Tushabe (Asst. Captain), Jerome Owori, Brian Bayuule, Peter Walusansa, Topher Kyamanywa and Jordan Mpiima.
Coach: Vincent Arnold Kasasa
Manager: Byron Matovu
Uganda Women’s Team:
Doreen Asiimwe (Captain), Desire Mukiisa (Vice Captain), Faith Achom, Carol Aguti, Doreen Mbabazi, Teddy Achiro, Pauline Achom, Aisha Kagere, Consolate Muber, Esther Chelimo, Joan Mukoya, Lamula Nakajjumba, Margaret Nassiwa, Nawume Makila, Sarah Mbekeka, Shakirah Nambooze and Winnie Alaro
Coach: Sandra Namusoke
Manager: Fatumah Namubiru
Technical Team:
Head of Delegation: Philip Wafula
Umpires: Stanley Tamale and Kenneth Tamale
Technical Officials: Ramathan Siraje and George Ntegeka
Doctor: Emmanuel Ewochu (Dr.)
Physio: Sadik Muhammad Akii
Media: Makhtum Muziransa and Charles Lwanga
