Africa-Press – Uganda. The national men’s netball team, The Rock, finished second at the inaugural International Men’s Netball Tournament that ended on Saturday at the Heartfelt Arena in Pretoria, South Africa.
In the weeklong event, The Rock beat Kenya and two other South African clubs, including Action Sport and DCS, before falling to a more studded South African national side that emerged champions.
Kenya finished third with Action and DCS emerging fourth and fifth.
Meanwhile, Ugandan defender Gonzaga Kigozi won the best defender plaque at the tournament. Kigozi, who couldn’t hide his excitement, said it was team work and coordination that helped the team to a second place finish.
“We worked well as a team and I’m happy with this accolade. However, we can do better than this if we are given a chance to take part in other events,” he said.
Head coach Vincent Kiwanuka says his team has learnt a lot from the competition.
‘Growing stronger’
“We have tried our best. Most of our players did not have experience but now they have learnt a lot from the South African team,” he said.
“If we keep on participating in such events, our team will grow stronger. However, I can say that we have performed well and I thank my players for that.”
Kiwanuka said it was a tough competition that has tested his players’ fitness and abilities.
“Our competitors have been tough and before we even played the finals, many of my players were already suffering from injuries. However this calls for more hardwork and improving our fitness levels,” he added.
The Rock are now looking forward to the Africa Men’s Netball Championship to be hosted by Morocco next year.
The team will is expected to arrive back in the country tomorrow.
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