Woodball Cranes Face Passport Hurdles Ahead of World Cup Training Camp

The national woodball team, dubbed the Woodball Cranes, has officially begun its intensive residential training camp in Bunjakko, Mpigi, in preparation for the World Cup scheduled for July in Malaysia. The camp, which commenced with players being flagged off by Uganda Woodball Federation president Paul Mark Kayongo, faced a brief hiccup due to a last-minute rush for passports among some squad members.

A valid passport is a mandatory requirement for participation in the training camp, which precedes the July 24-30 World Cup in Perlis, Malaysia. Federation president Kayongo emphasized the importance of discipline and adherence to the camp’s code of conduct, warning that national team representation demands responsibility and sacrifice.

This preparation cycle aims to avoid the disarray experienced in 2024, when funding issues compromised the team’s World Cup preparations in China. The federation learned from this experience, opting for more rigorous trials this time around. Despite the challenges, the team from the 2024 championships still achieved success, with Thomas Kedi securing a silver medal and Jackline Naula also earning a bronze.

Kampala International University (KIU) is a significant contributor to the current squad, providing four players. Among them is Bridge Byamukama, who described his selection as a reward for his dedication, balancing work commitments with demanding training schedules across different locations. Brian Gwaaka of KIU led the men’s qualifiers, showcasing a strong performance against established players from Uganda Prisons, who also maintain a strong presence in the men’s team.

The final Woodball Cranes squad comprises a mix of experienced and new talent, all geared up to represent Uganda on the international stage.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/other-sport/passport-rush-as-woodball-cranes-enter-w-cup-camp-5505514