Ambitious Uhamiaji take aim at EA championship

Dar es Salaam. Uhamiaji are not leaving anything to chance as the East and Central Africa Netball Club Championship draws closer.

Uhamiaji, who finished third in the previous edition, sailed through to the eight-day regional championship after winning both the Mainland and Union League titles recently.

The regional tournament will start on April 23 in Nairobi, Kenya.

Speaking exclusively with The Citizen yesterday, Uhamiaji coach Winfrida Emmanuel was adamant that her girls would march on to silverware this year.

Winfrida, arguably the best netball coach at the moment, said her team was in the right frame of mind after most of their players honed their skills at the recently concluded Military Games.

“We had a perfect training platform ahead of the Nairobi tournament. My players gained a lot at the Military Games in Zanzibar, so I am confident that we will perform better than last year,” said the coach, who has won back-to-back national titles.

“We finished third in the previous tournament; it was our first time to compete on such a big stage and we did better than most of the big teams. I think if we put a little more effort, we will win the title this year.”

According to her, they have identified some fine talents at the Zanzibar tournament whom they will add to their squad with a view to boosting their chances of winning the coveted title.

“Our players have a two-day break. They will resume training on a high gear. I am hopeful that the girls will be equal to the challenge come April 23,” she said.

“Our goal is to win the title. We know that Kenyan and Ugandan teams have a good pedigree in the tournament, but we already know what it takes for the team to win the title.

“We plan to add a few players in the squad with a view to strengthening the team. I really believe that those we are targeting will be valuable additions.”

Apart from Uhamiaji, Tanzania will also be represented by Polisi Morogoro and Jeshi Stars.