Swans’ tough ACCC run lays bare hockey’s challenges

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The Kampala Hockey Club Swans' participation in the Africa Cup of Clubs Championships (ACCC) served as both a valuable learning opportunity and a revealing glimpse into the broader challenges confronting Ugandan hockey. Below is an overview of the main issues and lessons drawn:

The female team made their second continental appearance in Egypt from January 31 to February 7, eight years after their debut at the edition hosted in Kampala.

Drawn into Group A, Swans faced Sharkia Club from Egypt, Delta Queens and Kada Queens from Nigeria, and Ghana Revenue Authority from Ghana. Unfortunately, they lost all their matches, with two walkovers from Sharkia and Delta Queens. The two games played resulted in heavy defeats: 7-0 to Kada Queens and 15-0 to Ghana Revenue Authority.

Visa delays caused Swans to miss two games, and while the results were disappointing, the lessons gleaned from the tournament should inspire improvements within the wider hockey community.

Financial constraints

The lack of sufficient funds led to delayed travel plans and missed games, which directly affected the team’s performance. As Swans team manager Jordan Mpiima stated:

“We appeal to the government for more financial support in hockey, as well as support from the private sector through sponsorships, to provide the sport with the opportunity to showcase the rich talent the country has got.”

He further emphasised the importance of establishing sustainable revenue streams, such as merchandise sales, to help clubs finance their participation in international events.

“Hockey clubs should also work towards improving their social media presence to attract sponsors and engage fans as a way of promoting the sport and lobbying for more sponsorships from the private sector.”

Swans Player Bridget Baine during the flag off ceremony. (File Photo)

Facilities

Swans faced a significant disadvantage due to their limited experience with water-based astroturf, compared to their more experienced opponents. The sand-based turf at Lugogo is no longer up to international standards, further highlighting the need for the government to invest in modern hockey facilities, particularly water-based astroturf, to give players access to competitive surfaces.

Coaching standards

Many hockey coaches in Uganda are still behind their counterparts in northern, western, and southern Africa due to a lack of updated coaching methodologies.

The Uganda Hockey Association (UHA) should organise regular and comprehensive refresher courses for coaches, extending them to schools to help build a strong grassroots foundation for the sport.

League expansion

The limited number of teams in Uganda’s hockey league restricts the growth of the sport.

The UHA should work on expanding the league by increasing the number of participating teams to foster greater competition and development.

Despite the challenges, the Swans' journey at the ACCC demonstrates the resilience of Ugandan hockey and its potential for growth. By addressing the highlighted issues through strategic investments in funding, facilities, coaching, and league expansion, Uganda can enhance the competitiveness of its teams and solidify its position as a strong contender in African hockey.