Ekapolon dreams big after making it to Hockey Cranes final squad

It is Charles Ekapolon’s time to shine after making it to the final squad of the Hockey Cranes that are in the final preparations for the Zambezi series in Zambia early next month.

The Weatherhead shot-stopper is confident and hopeful that he will put up a good show for the nation.

“I am going to work tooth and nail to ensure that I lead my side to victory at the series with my first call-up to the national team,” Ekapolon noted.

He stated this after the final hockey side of 18 players had been confirmed by the Uganda Hockey Association (UHA).

Ekapolon comes into the team after Bosco Ochan was placed in the provisional squad deputizing Richard Kaijuka although both players are in search of a starting place in the Hockey Cranes.

He is among the few new faces that the team coach Vincent Kasasa has opted for due to his good goal-keeping ability and ability to take on opponents in tight situations.

Alfre Agaba, Timothy Ntumba, Solomon Mutalya, Stewart Kavuma Maxwell Mugisa, Jordan Mpiima, Emmanuel Baguma, Brian Okodi, and Brian Bayule are the old faces on the team from both the Hockey AFCON in 2022 and Olympic qualifiers last year.

Brian Ofoymungu, Ellias Okello, Elvis Opoya, Innocent Raskara, Jackson Musinguzi, Jordan Achaye, and Shafik Abdul are the new faces in the side that strolls to Zambia with the intent of returning as champions of the series.

Kasasa is confident that the final 18 players will fit in his ideology of coaching and will work to fulfill the target of raising the country’s ranking.

“I am very confident that this final 1 player we have selected as the technical bench will fit well in my attacking philosophy and I am sure they are going to get the job done of winning the test series.”

On the women’s team, head coach Moses Nsereko retained experienced players on his team mixed with new faces in the quest for the team’s first-ever win in the series.

The Uganda women's hockey side lost all the games in the last test series in Nairobi against Kenya and now looks up to seeking redemption in Zambia.

Anitah Atim, Evas Akello, Hajirah Namwase, Hildah Star Balondemu, Irine Atim, Melissa Namuleme, actual Atim, Vanessa Abeja, Vero Atima, Winnie Atim, and Winnie Nandi are the new faces on the team

While Thuwaibah Kiggundu, Margaret Nassiwa, Joy Sserunjogi, Doreen Assimwe Sisters Lucky Akello, Norah Alum, and Winnie Alaroare the old faces on the team on which the foundation is being laid.