Uganda’s four teams will be chasing gold on home sand after the CAVB Zone V Beach Volleyball Championship served off on Thursday afternoon at Bunjako Beach in Buwama, Mpigi District.

The competition, which runs until Sunday, has attracted teams from Uganda, Kenya, Burundi and South Sudan, with the hosts banking on home advantage to challenge for honours in both the men’s and women’s categories.

Uganda has entered two teams in each category. Luc Florent Kimararungu will partner Aziizi Busingye in the men’s competition, while John Baptist Ogire teams up with Isaac Ogusul.

In the women’s event, Claire Najjuuko will partner Purity Nekesa, while Margaret Namyalo joins Eunice Amuron.

Gold at home

Uganda women’s team head coach Shamim Makongoro believes her players are ready to deliver after an early camp and preparations at the venue.

“We are very ready as Team Uganda, and we expect to keep the gold at home,” Makongoro told Daily Monitor.

“We have trained well and camped here early to prepare, so I believe the team is more than ready,” she added.

Kenya has the biggest contingent, with four men’s teams and three women’s teams. South Sudan has entered one team in each category, while Burundi is also represented in both competitions.

The championship marks South Sudan’s first appearance in beach volleyball, giving the newcomers an opportunity to test themselves against more established regional opponents.

Pools take shape

The teams have been drawn into pools for the preliminary stage, setting up a series of contests as they seek to progress in the competition.

In the men’s category, Pool A comprises Burundi 2, Uganda 1 and Kenya 1. Pool B features Uganda 2, South Sudan and Kenya 2, while Pool C has Kenya 3, Kenya 4 and Burundi 1.

In the women’s competition, Pool A comprises South Sudan, Kenya 2, Burundi 2 and Uganda 1. Pool B features Burundi 1, Kenya 3, Kenya 1 and Uganda 2.

Dar es Salaam next

Beyond the medals at stake in Buwama, the championship offers teams an opportunity to collect points ahead of the next leg of the regional beach volleyball tour in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, scheduled for December.

With the competition running until Sunday, Uganda will be looking to turn their preparations and home support into strong performances as the race for regional supremacy gathers pace.