The Men’s team of Nemo Stars is now undergoing a reorganization in which new players are integrating with an older, more seasoned group.
Nemo Stars, Uganda’s most successful volleyball team, is currently rebuilding its roster.
The Stars made an effort to equal rival Sport-S in the last transfer window by bringing in new players. This season, the latter had the most new entries with 11, while the Stars came in second with 10.
New players include:
JONATHAN KIGOZI from COBAP UG
ABRAHAM ORAPA LEVI, DEOGRACIOUS ANGURIA OKIRIA, and SHARIFU MASEREKA MASOUD from KAVC,
ELLY NAGUMA from MUST
TONNY KASUMBA RUHORERA from SKY
INNOCENT OKELLO from ST. CHARLES
ESAU ECIL from THUNDERS
ISAAC OMONGIN from UCU.
At a new club, it might be difficult for new hires to fit in, as is the case with the Stars. Since the beginning of the season, head coach Andrew Okapis has attempted to determine the best way to have the new players integrate into the team.
“I have a mix of old and young players, and the sync hasn’t reached them as well, especially the young players,” Andrew explained.
The Stars suffered a loss to university team Ndejje Sharks to begin their National Volleyball League season on a depressing note. The encounter ended 3-2.
The following match between Nemo and KCCA ended in a 3-2 triumph for Nemo, another negative outcome for the Kololo-based team. The team’s concerns were not alleviated when they met rival Sport-S in the following match, which they lost in three straight sets.
“There is an opportunity for progress, despite the fact that we could encounter Sport-S and defeat them. We must also establish and accomplish our goals,” Added Andrew.
As all of their opponents are competent, Nemo does not want to write off any of them; rather, the team is figuring out how to defend against their attacks. As they usually prepare, it won’t be simple for the Stars to confront and defeat the opponent in both rounds.
Nemo was formidable against the reigning champion OBB and the newly promoted team SKY VC after their loss to Sport-S. They won twice, by scores of 3-0 and 3-1, respectively.
Follow the National Volleyball League for fixtures, results, and table standings here.
In these two games, Nemo was excellent, with notable performances from Malinga and George’s blocks, middle attacks from Zungu Fahad, and new additions from Thunders and SKY, receiver-attacker Esua Ecil and Kasumba Tony respectively.
The Newcomer:
Keep an eye on this left-handed rising sensation from Sky VC who towers above Aporu and Malinga this season, Kasumba Tony. His performance and skills are fast taking on the terrifying characteristics of the recognizable Nemo Star.
The young man contributed to SKY’s ascension to the premier league and has made great strides with the new club plan of establishing a new squad.
The Old Volleyball Machine:
Every athlete has to call it quits at some point throughout their career. Although you may anticipate George Aporu, a volleyball player from Uganda, to do so, he doesn’t. Even though he has won everything, George is not indicating that he will give up.
George had a rough start to this season, and one would have thought it was time for him to retire. However, to everyone’s amazement, George played one of his finest game while injured against OBB.
Without a doubt, head coach Andrew Okapis wants the captain there to ensure a smooth transition from the current team to the future as he carries out his ambitions to assemble a fresh group of players for the club.
The Stars have a promising future, and whatever ambitions the team may have, things appear to be moving in the right direction.
