By Daniel Nyeko
Uganda’s national women’s volleyball team, the Lady Volleyball Cranes, qualified for the 2026 Women’s African Senior Nations Volleyball Championship after a commanding 3-0 victory over South Sudan in the Zone V Qualifiers.
Backed by a roaring home crowd at Lugogo Indoor Arena, the Lady Cranes swept the sets 25-13, 25-11, and 25-11 to secure automatic qualification. The triumph capped an unbeaten campaign from May 31 to June 6, with Uganda finishing top of Zone V.
Lady Cranes Dominate Individual Awards
Uganda’s dominance extended to individual accolades, nearly sweeping the zonal honours:
– Tournament MVP: Joan Tushemerirwe, also Best Opposite Hitter, delivered relentless firepower and clutch points.
– Best Setter: Katreena Odermatt orchestrated the offense with vision and composure.
– Best Middle Blocker: Scovia Alungat built a defensive wall at the net, shutting down opponents.
– Best Libero: Shamirah Kalanzi excelled in backrow defense with tireless hustle and reflex digs.
Burundi and South Sudan broke Uganda’s monopoly with standout performances:
– Best Server: Emmanuelle Ndayikengurukye (Burundi) impressed with pinpoint, aggressive serving.
– Best Outside Hitter: Agor Cecilla (South Sudan) balanced defensive stability with attacking threat.
Coach’s Praise
Head Coach Protus Soita hailed his team’s growth and discipline:
“Training was intense, and we chose this squad for their peak form and chemistry. We treated each game individually, but the expectation was always to dominate the zone. The ladies executed our tactical blueprint when it mattered most.”
High Stakes Ahead in Nairobi
With regional supremacy secured, the Lady Cranes now prepare for the African Women’s Nations Championship in Nairobi, Kenya, running from August 23 to September 5, 2026. The tournament doubles as a direct pathway to the 2027 FIVB Women’s World Championship in Poland and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
