Ainembabazi: Early preparations vital for Uganda's African Championship campaign

Following their successful qualification for the 2026 CAVB African Nations Championship, Uganda Lady Volleyball Cranes captain Catherine Ainembabazi has emphasized the critical need for early and comprehensive preparations. The team secured their spot by winning the CAVB Zone V Nations Championship Qualifiers held in Kampala, defeating Burundi and South Sudan.

Ainembabazi highlighted that while the qualifiers were a positive step on their return to international competition, the real challenge lies ahead in Nairobi, Kenya, where they will face formidable opponents. Countries like Kenya, Egypt, and Rwanda, who are already qualified, did not participate in the Kampala qualifiers, indicating the increased level of competition.

“If we come in early for training, with the team we have, we just need enough time to train together. If we have enough time to train, I am sure we shall do well in the African Championship,” Ainembabazi stated, crediting the coaching staff for building team cohesion during the qualifiers.

The upcoming championship will pit Uganda against some of Africa’s elite volleyball nations, many of whom have extensive experience in continental and global tournaments. The technical team, led by head coach Protus Soita, is considering reinforcing the squad with experienced players who missed the qualifiers, while also acknowledging the impressive performances of the younger generation during the qualification rounds.

This blend of seasoned players and emerging talent, coupled with healthy internal competition for selection, offers a promising outlook. The focus now shifts from securing qualification to transforming that success into a competitive presence on the continental stage, with early preparation identified as the key to achieving this goal.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/other-sport/ainembabazi-early-preparations-will-be-key-before-african-championship-5505566