UVF Rolls Out New Activity Calendar That Will Align With FIVB.

By

-

March 1, 2021

The volleyball governing body of Uganda UVF has in an AGM rolled out a new calendar that will align with the F IVB calendar.

The wait has been long but unfortunately, it will be another 7 months until the fans will have actions on the volleyball courts in the National Volleyball League. At a meeting where the new UVF executives and delegates from the affiliates, a new calendar to follow for the season 2021/2022 has been announced.

These adjustments come in a bid to upgrade the level of professionalism in volleyball sports in the country. “One of the benefits of aligning the calendar is that it will ensure that we have all our foreign-based players for all our National team engagements in future since they will be in the official FIVB international engagement period.” Said Godwin Ssennyondo the UVF General Secretary.

The new adjustments mean that the National Volleyball League will run from September 2021 through to April 2022. In previous years, we have seen clubs that represent the country at the Africa Club Championships get a season break after playoffs in November, resting over 2 months to the competition in April and for that matter may at times be a little bit out of shape.

UVF’s new adjustments should see clubs still competition fit for continental competitions plus having foreign-based players return home to honour National duties.

League action will start in Septemeber not forgetting the transfer window set for May after the off-season break starts, with the exception of a special transfer season opened from March 15^th to April 15^th 2021 to cover up for the missed transfer window of January 2021.

New Activity Calendar Highlights

The first weekend of September – 2021 National Club Championship
September 15, 2021 – Off-season break Ends
Between Sept 15 & 30, 2021 – League 2021/2022 season launch
October 2021 – National League 2021/2022
November 2021 – National League 2021/2022
December 2021 – National League 2021/2022
December 15, 2021 – Mid-season Break Starts
January 15, 2022 – Mid-season Break Ends
February UVF 2022 – National League 2021/2022
March 2022 – National League 2021/22 play-offs
The first weekend of March – All Girls Championship
Last weekend of March 2022 – National Juniors Championship
April 2022 – Africa Clubs Championships
May 15, 2022 – Off-season Break Starts
May 15, 2022 – Open of Player transfer Window
June 15, 2022 – Close of Player transfer Window
July 2022 – UVF Presidents Cup
The first weekend of August 2022 – UVF Congress Meeting
September 15, 2022 – Off-season break Ends

FERWABA releases a tentative calendar for the 2021 season

By

Evode Munyeshuri

-

February 24, 2021

The Rwanda Basketball Association, FERWABA has released the 2021 season draft calendar and the BK National League is set to tip-off on April 2nd, 2021.

FERWABA wants to reopen various basketball events, which will start with the BK Pre-season Tournament 2021 as usual.

In the calendar released, there are international competitions for example the Basketball Africa League which has not been able to meet the dates it was scheduled for last year due to the global outbreak of COVID-19, the Genocide Memorial Tournament which also did not happen last year is planned for this year, the AfroBasket Qualifiers for Women, and the Men’s 2021 AfroBasket finals.

In addition to these international competitions, FERWABA has set guidelines for the prevention of COVID-19 during the resumption of Basketball activities. The guidelines include the following;

During the training: Each team is required to test its players and coaches (Rapid Test) before the start of the training and this will be repeated every week. No one else is allowed to attend the training except the players, coaches, and federation staff.
During the competition: All teams are required to accommodate their players and coaches in a known location (Bubble) depending on their financial capabilities, for as long as the tournament is taking place. Before entering the camp, each team must first use a PCR test. The players and coaches will also take a test 3 hours before the day’s matches. FERWABA staff and referees will be required to take a Covid19 Rapid test before each match.

FERWABA also considered the possibility of the tournament being played with players returning home due to limited resources. The players will be tested 3 hours before the tip-off and those who return negative results will be allowed to participate in the game.

When fans will be allowed to come to the venue, they must be tested for COVID-19 (Rapid Test) with the result that they are free of infection and taken within 72 hours.

These regulations are subject to changes depending on the situation of the pandemic and When the fans are allowed to attend the games, there will be other changes depending on the strategies put in place to stop the spread of the pandemic.

2021 season calendar.

From 19/03/2021 to 26/03/2021: BK Pre-Season.
From 02/04/2021 to 08/08/2021: BK National League.
May 2021: Basketball Africa League.
From 16/06/2021 to 20/06/2021: Genocide Memorial Tournament.
06-07 / 2021: Women’s Afrobasket Qualifiers.
From 24/08/2021 to 05/09/2021: Afrobasket Finals.
09-10 /2021: BK Playoffs.

More Emotion In The Morocco Camp After An Act Of Retaliation

By

Kenneth Lwanga

-

February 22, 2021

More Emotion In The Morocco Camp After An Act Of Retaliation

It was not all tears for Mohamed Yakki this time when his side Morocco retaliated to defeat Congo 3 sets to 1.

Congo started the game focused thus winning the 1st set but Morocco was not ready to handle another disappointment after a devastating loss against Cameroon in their opening match of the tournament. “We were focused at the start of the game and then we lost the rhythm and control after the first set,” said Congo head coach Sapolo Okanda.

Hany Abdelhamid, Egypt head coach said, “We achieved a difficult win and we overcame over a big team today. I want to thank my players, they win although the short time for preparation and the big pressure because the tournament is in Egypt and they must win, this pressure affected their performance, I am sure they can do better than they did today. We will do better in the coming match to win the title and celebrate with our spectator and the board of the federation.”

Morocco came back strong after losing the 1st set to take the game 3-1 to win their first game of the Men’s U21 African Nations Volleyball Championship. All this action unfolded in the presence of newly elected CAVB President Mrs Bouchra Hajij and one could say that she was a source of motivation for her Moroccan team. This is the first competition to be held on the CAVB calendar and also after halting sports activities to combat the spread of COVID-19.

In the other game of the day, Egypt remains unbeaten after overcoming Cameroon 3-1. “The competition is still going on, we have not given up despite our loss today, and the title is not decided yet,” said Cameroon team manager Betsem Aliroux.

The result from Egypt against Morocco and Cameroon against Congo will decide who will represent Africa in the 2021 FIVB Men’s U21 World Championship.

Congo (1-3) Morocco (25-22, 20-25, 12-25, 24-26)

Egypt (3-1) Cameroon (25-21, 25-19, 17-25, 25-17)

Emotion In The Morocco Camp At The U21 Men’s Championship

By

Kenneth Lwanga

-

February 22, 2021

Emotion In The Morocco Camp — Morocco's captain Mohamed Yakki in tears after his side lost

Morocco started their campaign with a defeat from Cameroon and captain Mohamed Yakki could not help but cry.

1 set to 3 was how it ended for Morocco in their opening match of the Men’s U21 African Nations Championship. Captain, Mohamed Yakki did not take this defeat lightly when burst into tears. His colleagues were there to comfort him. The younger player most probably believed that there was an equal chance for his side to win.

The country has suspended sports activities in a bid to put a stop to the spread of COVID-19 so this could explain the team’s performance, however would not come as an excuse. Nevertheless, Morocco head coach Moujoud Ismail expressed satisfaction toward his team saying, “The performance of my team was heroic, despite the loss, we have very good individuals. I’d like to thank the players and the technical staff for their effort in the Covid-19 situation, after a complete year without any activity.”

Morocco only managed to win set 2 in a close 25-23 score but Cameroon had the 1st, 3rd and last set to win the match. Despite the victory, Cameroon head coach Litouang Albert expected a better win mentioned that the team’s performance faded in the 2nd set allowing Morocco to capitalize on that opportunity to win the set.

In other games of day one, the host Egypt made a statement after defeating Congo 3-0. At the end of day one of the competitions, the Moroccans sit in 3rd place meaning they have their work cut if they want to represent Africa at the 2021 FIVB Men’s U21 World Championship. Egypt is the favourite at the top followed by Cameroon and Congo at the bottom fo the table.

Ian Collins Murungi A Rising Star At AFRIYEA Golf Academy.

By

Kenneth Lwanga

-

February 22, 2021

Ian Collins Murungi A Rising Star At AFRIYEA Golf Academy.

14-year-old Ian Collins Murungi born to Joseph Ategeka and Topista Tuhaise is a senior 2 student at St. Mark College Masaka.

Ian Collins got to know about AFRIYEA Golf Academy through Maurice Barnes and he is one of the pioneer students at the academy that opened in September 2020. Ian is described as a calm and friendly character.

What are your dreams after schools and how do you think golf will help you achieve those dreams?

“My dream for the future is when I complete my studies, I want to become a doctor. Becoming a doctor not only requires knowledge from school but also requires mental ability and a certain way of understanding things. Golf will help me build my mental ability and I believe that I am at the right place here at AFRIYEA Golf Academy,” said Ian Collins.

Do you expect to achieve anything as a golfer too?

“Apart from becoming a doctor, I would also like to achieve as a golfer. My target is to play with the National Team and I know that through hard work, discipline, respect of coaches, and getting good clubs, I will one day join the national team,” he said.

How did you feel when you won the first tournament?

“I have only won once. My first tournament was the recently concluded Venus Open that was held at Toro club. I was very happy and surprised because I didn’t expect it,” Ian Collins added.

What do you have to say to the young generation out there who haven’t joined the academy and wish to play golf?

“I am encouraging all the kids outside there to come and join the AFRIYEA Golf Academy because it’s the best golf academy in Uganda, Africa. The academy does not only give skills of playing golf but they also tell us to focus on our academics and environment conservation,” he said.

AFRIYEA Golf Academy continues to empower young golfers in the country and their track record so far is one to be reckoned with.

Nshobozwabyosenumukiza’s outstanding performance handed Rwanda a win against South Sudan

By

Evode Munyeshuri

-

February 19, 2021

7 points from Overtime and 15 points in general scored by Jean Jacques Nshobozwabyosenumukiza gave Rwanda a win over South Sudan. The team’s only win in the concluded 2021 Afrobasket Qualifiers Group D.

With a draught of no-wins ever since the 2021 AfroBasket Qualifiers competitions started, the host of the main event finally registered one win. The first window was held at Kigali Arena, Kigali and Rwanda under the guidance of coach Vladimir Bosnjak lost all three games. He later resigned at the end of the 1st window games.

When it came to the 2nd window, Vladimir Bosnjak’s then-assistant coach Henry Mwinuka was assigned the task to take over as head coach. Henry did not start his tenure well when he lost the first two games but the efforts were rewarded in his last game of the 2nd window thanks to an outstanding performance from Nshobozwabyosenumukiza.

South Sudan that came in this match after securing their qualification last night, were giving the balls away too easily. South Sudan’s 8 turnovers in the first quarter and 26 in regular time were not good enough for Rwanda who didn’t manage to take advantage of that. South Sudan made altogether 31 turnovers in the whole match but still, Rwanda, who made 13 less, didn’t score many points from those turnovers compared to South Sudan.

South Sudan led two quarters on a one-point difference, 19-18 in the first Quarter and 10-10 in the second quarter. In the third quarter, Rwanda took the led through the shooting guard, Kenneth Gasana who made 14 points in the 3rd and 4th quarters. Rwanda ended the 3rd Quarter high, 15-09 before South Sudan fought back to force them into overtime. The regular time ended with a 53-53 tie.

In the Overtime, South Sudan made numerous turnovers again, but this time the Rwandan point guard, Jean Jacques Nshobozwabyosenumukiza took advantage of the opportunity to score 7 out of 9 points that Rwanda scored in overtime. 62-58 was the final score in favor of Rwanda. Jean Jacques Nshobozwabyosenumukiza was a hero in this game simply based on the effort he showed by stealing balls. He made 14 steals in this game.

Jean Jacques handed Henry Mwinuka his first win as the national team head coach. Remember that Henry Mwinuka is also Jean Jacques’ head coach at REG BBC.

UVF Technical Director Tony Lakony To Have High Level Coaches On His Commission

By

Kenneth Lwanga

-

February 19, 2021

The newly appointed Uganda Volleyball Federation UVF Technical Director Tony Lakony hints on his commission to include high-level coaches in the country.

The Volleyball Governing Body of Uganda, UVF elected Board Of Administrators on Tuesday, February 16th, 2021 after a vetting process appointed 7 additional Heads Of Commissions to fully constitute a new Board Of Administrators.

The position of Technical Director is one that has been highly discussed as one that is of great importance in the development of volleyball in the country with coach Tony Lakony among those in the debate. The Federation executives did not turn a deaf eye to the concerns raised by coach Tony.

In the list released by the federation today, Tonny Lakony has been appointed as the Technical Director — Head of Coaches Commission. Coach Tony Lakony in his most recent duties has coached the Senior Ladies National Volleyball Team where Uganda was the host of the Women’s Zone 5 All Africa Games Qualifiers in May 2019. He is also the current coach of the National Volleyball League defending Champions Nkumba – A. He has won several trophies for the University team. Tony Lakony has held the Technical Director position before therefore his track record is no doubt the reason he has been selected for the task again.

“I can give you a heads up of what it will be. We have a few level three coaches, in the country but we also have coaches who have been involved in development for a very long time and who we have worked with, tested and tried,” Coach Tony said when talking to Ground Sports.

Tony Lakony’s main objectives as Technical Director are to have a Coaches’ Commission who are ready to work on development, organising continuous development programmes for both regular and beach volleyball, institute the age group national team from the juniors to the seniors for both women and men, and courses for the coaches at different levels especially grassroots in the regions.

Coach Tony Lakony emphasised the importance of having a uniform coaches’ system throughout the country which is key for the proper development of players starting from the juniors through to the seniors with a uniform identity. The Technical Director also mentioned that his new appointment will not affect his performance as the head coach of the women’s National Volleyball League defending champions Nkumba – A.

Full List of the Board of Administrators together with the newly appointed Heads Of Commissions

1. Mr Sadik Zaid Nasiwu – President (Head of Sponsorship & Marketing Commission)
2. Mr Ahmed Kigundu – 1st Vice – President (Head of Media Commission)
3. Ms Salma Kairungi Otika – 2nd Vice – President
4. Mr Joseph Odong – Treasurer (Head of Finance Commission)
5. Mr Godwin Nakaana Ssennyondo – General Secretary
6. Ms Eunice Nuwabigaba – Assistant General Secretary
7. Mr Tonny Peter Lakony – Technical Director (Head of Coaches Commission)
8. Mr Innocent Komakech – North / East Rep (Head of Referees Commission)
9. Mr Deogratius Nsereko Kayongo – Head of Sports Organising Commission
10. Mr Abdallah Nespol Angiro – Head of Schools Commission
11. Dr Betijuma Luwedde – Head of Medical Commission
12. Mr Cornelius Engwenyu – Head of Mass Volleyball Commission
13. Mr Robert Mofaht Masaba – Head of Beach Volleyball Council
14. Ms Cisse Musiime B. – Club Representative
15. Mr Levian Ashaba – Club Representative
16. Mr Kenneth Wakiibi – Club Representative
17. Mr Joshua Osiya – Central Region Representative
18. Mr Elisha – Western Region Representative

All the different Heads of Commissions have been tasked to submit proposed members of their commissions as well as submit work plans and budgets for the year 2021.

Rwanda is yet to register the first win in 2021 Afrobasket Qualifiers

By

Evode Munyeshuri

-

February 19, 2021

Despite having a ticket to host 2021 Afrobasket, Rwanda has not yet managed to register a win in the qualifiers campaign.

On Thursday afternoon, February 18, Rwanda played its second game in the 2nd window and fifth in general in the 2021 Afrobasket Qualifiers, but the victory is still a dream for this team that prepares to host the biggest Basketball championship in Africa this coming summer.

After losing to Mali in the fourth match of these qualifiers in general and the first in the second window, Rwanda lost again to Nigeria 64-51. In this match, they led 2 quarters and few minutes of the 3rd Quarter but it ended with the more experienced team changing the game and won the fourth quarter. 14-22, 16-09, 14-10 and 20-10 were the scores of all Quarters that ended in favour of Nigerians.

Rwanda’s Axel Mpoyo scored the highest in the game, 14 points, while Jean Jacques Nshobozwabyosenumukiza made 11 points, 4 assists and 4 steals. In this game, they didn’t use Prince Ibeh due to the injury got during the practice sessions.

Despite losing 2 games as head coach, Henry Mwinuka believes that his side played well against Nigeria compared to Mali. Henry’s younger side managed to polish their mistakes from the Mali encounter. The coach expressed concerns that his side needed to have more experienced players on the court to match the competition from his contenders.

Rwanda will play the final game of these qualifiers today against the Bright stars of South Sudan.

The Silverbacks To Return Home After Safety Precaution Measures Exercised By FIBA

By

Kenneth Lwanga

-

February 19, 2021

The Silverbacks’ engagement in the 2021 AfroBasket Qualifiers was cut short after scares of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Moments before the Uganda basketball team was about to play their first game of the 2nd window of the AfroBasket Qualifiers, FIBA intervened to postpone all the Silvebacks’ games for the safety of all participants in the bubble. This means that the Ugandan delegation has to leave the competition.

“The Silverbacks team delegation shall not continue to take part in the competition during this window. All team delegation members shall leave the bubble as soon as reasonably possible,” FIBA. The decision came after five members of the delegation returned positive results from COVID-19 tests. As stipulated in the FIBA COVID-19 protocol, the delegation members will be excluded from the competition.

The status of the Siverbacks’ 3 games against Egypt, Morocco, and Cape Verde will be decided at a later stage.

FUBA has in a press release expressed deep concern and will focus on getting the other members who tested negative back home plus ensuring that those with positive results are taken care of until it is safe for them to return home.

Henry Mwinuka not off to a good start as a National Team Head Coach

By

Evode Munyeshuri

-

February 18, 2021

Mwinuka not off to a good start as a National Team Head Coach — Rwanda national team acting head coach, Mr Henry Mwinuka | Courtesy Photo

Henry Mwinuka lost his first competitive game as head coach of the Rwanda National Basketball Team after a 51-76 defeat to Mali in the AfroBasket 2021 Qualifiers window 2 opening game for his side.

The Tanzania tactician who has coached teams like, University of Dar-es-Salaam, Savio BC, KIU Titans, Patriots BC, and the Tanzania National Team as an assistant is currently the head of REG BBC and also acting head coach of the Rwanda team.

Henry Mwinuka had a chance to exposure in the national team national, however, his run is short-lived as Rwanda has already had advanced talks with Senegalese Cheikh Sarr to take over as head coach after this qualifier. Cheikh Sarr is in Monastir with the team to observe.

Coach Cheikh Sarr together with Henry Mwinuka during the practice in Monastir | Courtesy Photo

In the 51-76 outcome competitive game, Mali was ahead of Rwanda in all quarters of the game. 14 points was the highest quarter score that Rwanda managed to get making 12-17, 11-19, 14-26, 14-14 quarter scores respectively. Rwanda will have their work cut out today against Nigeria.

All the teams in this Group D have a qualification ticket since the top three teams qualify but Rwanda who is so far at the bottom of the table have the automatic qualification by virtue of being the host for the AfroBasket Final Event.

In Other games of Group D, Nigeria beat South Sudan on a 5 points difference. The first quarter ended with Nigeria leading 18-09. In the second quarter, South Sudan led by Luol Deng who is also currently the Federation president won it with 21-20.

Nigeria won the third quarter with 19-18 before The Bright stars of South Sudan tried to catch up by scoring 22-18, but it was not enough to hand them a victory against the former African Champions. South Sudan 70-75 Nigeria.

In this game, Nigeria did not have its current head coach, Mike Brown due to his duties with Golden State Warriors, the Nigeria D’Tigers was led by Mfon Udofia.

The 2021 Afrobasket Qualifiers games continue today,

12:00 EAT, Cape Verde vs Morocco
15:00 EAT, Nigeria vs Rwanda
18:00 EAT, Mali vs South Sudan
21:00 EAT, Uganda vs Egypt

These games will take place at the Salle Mohamed Mzali, Monastir in Tunisia

UVF Rolls Out New Activity Calendar That Will Align With FIVB.

The volleyball governing body of Uganda UVF has in an AGM rolled out a new calendar that will align with the F IVB calendar.

New Activity Calendar Highlights

FERWABA releases a tentative calendar for the 2021 season

The Rwanda Basketball Association, FERWABA has released the 2021 season draft calendar and the BK National League is set to tip-off on April 2nd, 2021.

2021 season calendar.

More Emotion In The Morocco Camp After An Act Of Retaliation

It was not all tears for Mohamed Yakki this time when his side Morocco retaliated to defeat Congo 3 sets to 1.

Emotion In The Morocco Camp At The U21 Men’s Championship

Morocco started their campaign with a defeat from Cameroon and captain Mohamed Yakki could not help but cry.

Ian Collins Murungi A Rising Star At AFRIYEA Golf Academy.

14-year-old Ian Collins Murungi born to Joseph Ategeka and Topista Tuhaise is a senior 2 student at St. Mark College Masaka.

What are your dreams after schools and how do you think golf will help you achieve those dreams?

Do you expect to achieve anything as a golfer too?

What do you have to say to the young generation out there who haven’t joined the academy and wish to play golf?

Nshobozwabyosenumukiza’s outstanding performance handed Rwanda a win against South Sudan

7 points from Overtime and 15 points in general scored by Jean Jacques Nshobozwabyosenumukiza gave Rwanda a win over South Sudan. The team’s only win in the concluded 2021 Afrobasket Qualifiers Group D.

UVF Technical Director Tony Lakony To Have High Level Coaches On His Commission

The newly appointed Uganda Volleyball Federation UVF Technical Director Tony Lakony hints on his commission to include high-level coaches in the country.

Full List of the Board of Administrators together with the newly appointed Heads Of Commissions

Rwanda is yet to register the first win in 2021 Afrobasket Qualifiers

Despite having a ticket to host 2021 Afrobasket, Rwanda has not yet managed to register a win in the qualifiers campaign.

The Silverbacks To Return Home After Safety Precaution Measures Exercised By FIBA

The Silverbacks’ engagement in the 2021 AfroBasket Qualifiers was cut short after scares of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Henry Mwinuka not off to a good start as a National Team Head Coach

Henry Mwinuka lost his first competitive game as head coach of the Rwanda National Basketball Team after a 51-76 defeat to Mali in the AfroBasket 2021 Qualifiers window 2 opening game for his side.

ABOUT US

FOLLOW US