2023 preview: Uganda eyes global dominance

It is a sign of the times that Uganda these days makes entries into global sports events to compete.

For a long time, it was a country that used to enter events to participate. But that mentality is now a thing of the past. Key in changing that narrative has been Joshua Cheptegei. The 5,000m and 10,000m world record holder will be in the mix of things this year as he fine-tunes himself for the Paris 2024 Olympics, which will in all likelihood be his last.

Cheptegei is not expected to compete at the World Athletics Cross-Country Championships due in Australia next month where he is defending champion but the Kapchorwa-born superstar will be in Budapest in late August for the World Athletics Championships. Joining him there will be Jacob Kiplimo, the heir apparent to Cheptegei’s crown, and Commonwealth Marathon gold medalist Victor Kiplangat, who is tipped to become a revered name in the not-too-distant future in the 42km distance.

CRANES’ AFCON QUALIFIERS

It will be a busy football year as always with the Uganda Cranes team already out of the country to prepare for the Championship of African Nations (CHAN). The squad arrived in Tunis on Monday to embark on preparations before they fly to Algiers for the tournament. Uganda is grouped alongside DR Congo, Senegal and Ivory Coast.

Cranes’ first game will be against DRC next Saturday with coach Micho Sredojevic attempting to become the first man to take Uganda into the knockout stages of the competition that involves only home-based national team players. Soon after The Cranes return from Chan tournament, will be the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers.

The start last year was a difficult one, picking up one point from a possible six. For many fans, focus will be on coach Milutin Sredojevic, to see how he improves the team’s fortunes; otherwise, missing a second successive Afcon looks a distinct possibility.

VIPERS’ CHAMPIONS LEAGUE CHALLENGE

Vipers SC management are working around the clock to find a replacement for their Brazilian coach Roberto Oliveira, who quit the club last week. Yet, that new arrival in Kitende will have the tough task of ensuring the team is organized enough, to make its mark in the Champions League group stages.

NETBALL WORLD CUP

In July, nations will descend on Cape Town, South Africa for the six- teenth Netball World Cup. Following Uganda’s recent performances at the Commonwealth Games, which saw the team climb up to fifth in the world rankings, the expectations on Mary Nuba, Joan Nampungu and Peace Proscovia are high at home.

SILVERBACKS’ WORLD CUP DREAM

The Fiba basketball World Cup qualifiers for Africa resume in February. And Uganda (Silverbacks) have their backs against the wall with one win in seven games. It will take a herculean task upstaging Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Angola, Guinea and Cape Verde to make it to Japan, Philippines and Indonesia, the tournament hosts.