Uganda Volleyball Federation (UVF) restarted its beach volleyball program on Saturday, 20th May 2023 with the Women’s Only National Beach Volleyball Open that featured six teams at Kalanoga Resort in Busabala.
The one-day event saw the pair of Habiba Namara paired with Nancy Sombe heading home with the Gold against Busingye Peace and Ainembabazi Catherine in an exciting tie-break 2-1 22:20, 13:21, 15:13.
Earlier, the champions ousted Mariam Nakamanya and Hafsa Nakalema in a straight sets Semi Finals 2-0; 21:18, 21:17 to set up the final with the team that had beaten them earlier at group stage.
In the other semi-final, Busingye Peace/Ainembabazi Catherine almost faulted when the duo of Makongoro shamim and Namyalo Margret surprised nicked the first set 21:15, but the former recovered to win 2-1, 15:21, 21:18, 15:9.
Delight for UVF
Mofaht Masaba who is the Chairperson of the beach volleyball council which is one of the committees of UVF says that it’s good to see the game serve-off after a long stint.
“The last event was in May 2022 at Kings Park Arena in Byeyogerere but the facility sand became unusable for sports thereater. So we have had nothing till yesterday as there were not suitable facilities for beach volleyball in the Kampala Metropolitan. Kalanoga presents a chance to provide more space as they plan to enhance what is there now,” Masaba said.
Way forward
Masaba says that Kalanoga will most likely become the new home of beach volleyball, a venue that will fetch new fans for the sport.
“We would like to work with Kalanoga resort to establish a new home for beach volleyball and continue running our national and international events there while encouraging patrons at Kalanoga to enjoy leisure volleyball on the sand as well as resuming corporate beach volleyball competitions annually,” Mofaht noted adding that the ultimate is to compete at national team level in the region and beyond.
The Medal ceremony at Kalanoga was presided over by Godwin Ssenyondo Nakaana who is the General Secretary of Uganda Volleyball Federation.
The next event at Kalanoga Resort is slated for 3rd and 4th of June 2023.
Last season’s winners were Diana Asiimwe and Esther Tumwebaze.
Results from Kalanoga:
Group Stage
Pool A
Najjuma Barbra / Mukungu Rebecca Vs Makongoro shamim / Namyalo Margret (0-2) 17:21, 13:21
Makongoro shamim / Namyalo Margret Vs Mariam Nakamanya/ Hafsa Nakalema (0-2) 16:21, 9:21
Mariam Nakamanya/ Hafsa Nakalema Vs Najjuma Barbra / Mukungu Rebecca (2-0) 21:8, 21:16
Pool B
Sombei Nancy / Namara Habiba Vs Kagoya Kauthar/ Flavia Rweita Kanyesigye (2-0) 21:19, 21:19
Kagoya Kauthar/ Flavia Rweita Kanyesigye Vs Busingye Peace / Ainembabazi Catherine (0-2) 14:21, 20:22
Busingye Peace / Ainembabazi Catherine Vs Sombei Nancy / Namara Habiba (2-0) 21:12, 21:12
Semi-finals:
Busingye Peace / Ainembabazi Catherine beat Makongoro shamim / Namyalo Margret (2-1) 15:21, 21:18, 15:9
Sombei Nancy / Namara Habiba beat Mariam Nakamanya/ Hafsa Nakalema (2-0) 21:18, 21:17
Finals:
Sombei Nancy / Namara Habiba beat Busingye Peace / Ainembabazi Catherine (2-1) 22:20, 13:21, 15:13.
