Uganda's boxing team targets Olympic tickets in Casablanca

Uganda's boxing team left on Sunday morning for the African Boxing Confederation Championship, also a 2016 Olympic qualifier slated for August 18-23 in Casablanca, Morocco.

"We have sent eight boxers and two coaches and hope that they can get some slots for the Olympics," Fred Kavuma, the Publicity secretary of the Uganda Amateur Boxing Federation (UABF) told Xinhua.

"We have been training so hard for this event and we shall work hard to win medals and also qualify for Olympics. We are aware we shall face tough opponents, but we have prepared well for seven weeks for this event," said Micheal Ssekabembe who will feature in the Super heavyweight category.

Kavuma said although the trip was hampered with inadequate funds they were forced to postpone the departure date. "The Olympic Committee gave us eight air tickets, while the National Council of Sports has promised to send us money for up-keep," explained Kavuma.

Head coach Dick Katende told Xinhua before departure on an Egyptian Airways flight that although it is unfortunate the team is unfortunate, the team is traveling for the Olympic qualifiers before having international trails, he is optimistic his team will do well.

After the Olympic qualifiers in Morocco, the Ugandan boxers will have another chance to get international exposure at the 2015 All Africa Games to take place in Congo Brazzaville next month.

Ugandan team

Faisal Juma (lightfly weight), Rogers Ssemitala (batam weight), Abdul Nasser (light weight), Ali Sserunkuma (light welter weight), Nasser Bukenya (welter weight), Kennedy Katende (light weight) , Willy Kyakonye (heavy weight), Micheal Ssekabembe (super heavy weight). Endi