On Saturday, January 13th, 2024, the Hockey Club Badgers organized a pure fun hockey event called the Ubuntu Tournament. Held at the Fast Fusion sports centre in Bugolobi, the event was a resounding success, thanks to the meticulous planning of the club’s General Secretary, Mr. Harold Ntale and his HC Badgers’ counterparts.

Having previously headlined a similar event in 2023 as a player for Makerere Stingers, Mr. Ntale sought to create another unforgettable experience for hockey enthusiasts with the Badgers’ Ubuntu Season 1 tournament. With the support of the Badgers team and other well-wishers (both financially and in other forms of organization), the event lived up to its billing.

The tournament attracted several players, mainly from various clubs in the Uganda Baati National Hockey League, as well as the Vixens (Gayaza Girls Hockey team). Approximately 70-plus revelers gathered to witness this exciting event.

The players were distributed into ten different teams, forming Group A and Group B . Each team was required to have a minimum of two ladies and a maximum of three boys on the field at any given time during play. Although the game was played on the indoor turf surface of Fast Fusion, it was similar to an indoor hockey game in terms of style.

The games commenced at around 11:30 am, showcasing high-scoring matches as expected. After the group stage, team Martens finished on top of Group A, closely followed by Weasels. Meanwhile, Grisons topped Group B, with team Melinaes hot on their heels.

In the first semifinal, Melinaes secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Martens, thanks to an early goal by Stewart Kavuma. Despite Martens boasting more experienced hockey players (i.e Winnie Alaro, Bayuule Brian, Ramthan Siraji, Richard Kaijuka plus an inform Judith Nakikabi), the Melinaes displayed exceptional skills to advance to the finals. In the other semifinal tie, Grisons sailed smoothly to the finals with a convincing 4-0 victory against the Weasels.

The grand finale showcased a thrilling end-to-end encounter between Melinaes and Grisons, a repeat of an earlier group B tie that ended in a one all draw. Amanya Cyrus’ two goals secured Melinaes as the champions of the Ubuntu Tournament Season 1, leaving Grisons regretting several missed opportunities.

The event was not only a success but also a lively and enjoyable affair. The spirit of Ubuntu was evident throughout, with participants and spectators embracing the theme, “Ubuntu/Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu” (I am because you are).

The tournament as well acknowledged exceptional performances by presenting a series of awards, with the Most Valuable Players being rewarded with brand new Kasvicar sticks generously provided by Mr. Kasasa Vincent Arnold, the sole proprietor behind the esteemed hockey equipment brand.

Awards

• Champions : Melinaes (Kavuma Stewart,Frank Nsubuga,Cyrus Amanya, Ingrid Tendo and Nakyenje Nabirah)
• Most Valuable Player Ladies : Christine Valeria (Grisons)
• Most Valuable Player Men: Cyrus Amanya (Melinaes)
• Top Scorer Ladies : Sarah Arinaitwe (Pekanias) , 4 goals
• Top Scorer Men : Innocent Tumukunde (Grisons), 8 goals

In conclusion, the Badgers’ Ubuntu Tournament Season 1 not only showcased outstanding hockey skills but also celebrated the spirit of unity and togetherness. It was a day where the love for the game blended seamlessly with the profound philosophy of Ubuntu, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present.