Isaac Akugizibwe

KIU, Main Campus – Members of the KIU Karate team have started individual training ahead of the university’s return to the inter-university games with the 2020 tournament set for December.  The team has been out of the competition since winning silver at the 2017 tournament held at Ndejje University.

According to Nsabimana Alphani, the captain of the team, all players are now undergoing individual training from their areas of residence. He said players are doing full-body workouts that include push-ups, jogging, skipping the rope and individual aerobics.

‘’We have been missing out recently but this year all is set for our return,’’ Nsabimana said. ‘’Every one of us is aware of the pressure and expectations ahead and that’s why we must prepare to give our very best this time around.”

Munyaburanga Jean Claude one of the players who helped the university to scoop two gold medals at Ndejje in 2017 has promised to go for more in this year’s tournament. The 24-year-old Rwandan national said the team has over the years struggled with numbers which are no longer a problem.

‘’We didn’t have enough players in 2017 that is why we got fewer medals,’’ Munyaburanga said. “The number of players has since increased which is very good for the university.’’

KIU is recognized at one of the top universities in East Africa when it comes to the sport of Karate.