Uganda’s national rugby sevens coach, Tolbert Onyango, has unveiled the squad for the upcoming World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The event, scheduled from January 12-14, will see Uganda competing in Group C alongside Germany, Kenya, and Mexico.
Onyango, a former Kenyan international with over eight years of experience coaching Uganda’s sevens team, expressed confidence in the team’s preparation for the challenge. The squad comprises a mix of seasoned players and promising younger talents. Onyango emphasized the team’s commitment to approaching each match with a final-like mindset, aiming to reach at least the quarterfinal stage to earn valuable ranking points.
Team captain Ivan Munyani echoed the sentiment, stating that the players are well-prepared for the competitive matches in Dubai. Despite acknowledging the strength of all participating teams, Munyani emphasized the importance of sticking to the team’s game plan.
In addition to Uganda’s presence in Group C, the World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger 2024 Series will feature other nations such as Uruguay, China’s Hong Kong, Papua New Guinea, Georgia, Japan, Tonga, Chile, and Portugal. The tournament promises intense competition and opportunities for teams to showcase their skills on the global stage.
Uganda will also field a women’s team, competing alongside Belgium, Thailand, and Papua New Guinea in the women’s category.
The announced squad comprises the following players: Roy Kizito, Denis Etwau, Ivan Munyani (Captain), Davis Shimwa, Pius Ogena, Isaac Massangazira, Adrian Kasito, Alex Aturinda, Aaron Ofoyrwoth, William Nkore, Desire Ayera, and Timothy Kisiga.
