The Uganda basketball school teams recently participated in the 2024 ISF World Schools Basketball Championship in Macao city, China. The boy’s team finished 11th in a cluster won by Greece, while the girls team was 12th overall with hosts China emerging victorious. The first batch of the delegation returned home on Thursday, 4th July 2024 at Entebbe International Airport aboard Ethiopian Airlines, where they were received by Hajji Twahil Kitezaala, the first vice president of Uganda Secondary Schools Sports Association (USSSA).
Team captain, Christine Namyalo, articulated that every match played at the ISF Championship provided invaluable experience and essential lessons. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete at such a high level and emphasized the learning experience for the players. Namyalo also stated, “It was a great learning experience for us the players. Most of the players had never played at such a level. We learnt so many things and definitely our game will improve for the better.”
The girl’s team secured victories against India and Cyprus before exiting after three games. Despite the challenges they faced, the team appreciated the opportunity given to them. Jonathan Egau, the head coach, shared, “Our opponents from Asia and Europe had an edge over us and they prepared better than us not forgetting the basic things such as training on rough floors back in Uganda while the competition surfaces we used were all wooden. This posed a big challenge to us.”
The boys’ team from Elite High School Entebbe is expected to return home on Friday, 5th July 2024 aboard Ethiopian Airlines. This year alone, Uganda school sports have been represented in football (China), athletics (Kenya), and volleyball (Serbia) at the global stage. Each of these experiences contributes to the growth and development of the student-athletes, providing them with invaluable exposure to international competition.
The lessons learned from the ISF Championship in China will undoubtedly benefit the Uganda school basketball teams in their future competitions. As they continue to reflect on their experiences and work towards improving their game, the knowledge gained from facing high-level opponents will serve as a valuable asset. Additionally, the exposure to different playing conditions and competition environments will reinforce the resilience and adaptability of the student-athletes.
In conclusion, the journey of the Uganda school basketball teams in China has not only showcased their talent and determination but has also imparted invaluable experiences and lessons that will contribute to their growth and success in the world of sports. The commitment and perseverance demonstrated by the student-athletes and coaches is truly commendable, and their representation at the global stage is a testament to the promising future of Ugandan sports.