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The journey of the UCU Doves from the brink of relegation to the cusp of league glory in a year is phenomenal.
After the COVID-19 lockdown, the effects of the pandemic hit the university hard, and the volleyball team was no exception.
Most of the players had graduated during that period, and with most of the students attending their classes online, a rebuild was needed for the team, and current head coach Juma Osunge was tasked with that responsibility.
Osunge encouraged the squad to play with freedom heading into the season, and it proved to be the right message.
"We went into the season with low expectations after escaping relegation; the message to the team was to have fun and play with freedom", he told Pulse Sports.
Players like Gideon Nespal Angiro, Joseph Opus, and Captain Mark Ochan were recruited, bringing stability and continuity to the squad.
"It took us a while to get accustomed to playing with each other, but we thank God for allowing us to reach the finals.
It was a fantastic experience for the team," said Captain Mark Omara.
Head Coach Juma Osunge emphasized that his side had to take advantage of the improved sporting facilities compared to other teams in the league.
"Majority of the teams in the league need the luxury to train daily or have proper facilities like a gym and court.
It wasn't an option for the team not to have our fitness at the main level, which was evident in our trip to the finals," he added.
Sports administrator, Sam Lukaire, expressed gratitude for the team's turnaround ahead of schedule.
"Last season, it was a conversation of surviving relegation, and just a season later, we are finalists.
This season is proof of the shift both the players and the coaches engaged," he told this website.
He also credited the current coaching staff for their exceptional season and believes that this is the beginning of a remarkable period for the volleyball program at the university.
I have to credit the investment by the coaches for the excellent scouting work done and getting the right pieces during the rebuilding.
I am excited about the future and can't wait to see what challenges next season has to offer," he adds.
The hallmarks of any successful team are their ability to be consistent and bounce back in the face of adversity.
The UCU Doves will be looking to bounce back next season and go one better, knowing they will be 'hunted' after their impressive underdog story.
Despite the defeat in the finals, the UCU Doves will take solace in a season well-played, including their gold medal win in the Eastern Africa University games in Ndejje last December.
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