Selected physical fitness components of Uganda’s national soccer team-the cranes

Abstract

The study assessed flexibility, agility, muscular strength and endurance, explosive, sprint fatigue, and aerobic endurance of the Uganda national soccer team with the purpose of establishing a baseline data to determine training of the team. It was hypothesized that there was no significant difference in the fitness levels of players of Uganda's soccer team on basis of their age, their experience or their playing position. A pre-experimental research design was used. The study used the whole population hence the sample comprised of 24 subjects. Purposive and stratified sampling were used to select defense, midfielders and attackers. Fitness tests for each of the selected fitness components were carried out and the results were then compared to the established norms published by the NSCA (2005). The data collected was analyzed using SPSS V. 16 (Chicago, IL) standard descriptive statistics and presented in tables, graphs and charts. A comparison of the different strata of players' physical fitness scores was made using analyses of variance (ANOVA) at a P < 0.01. The Cranes performed below the set NSCA (2005) standard in all physical fitness tests. The performance of the players was neither affected by their age, experience nor their playing positions except the flexibility and agility tests that showed a significant difference on basis of their experience. The study recommended sensitization of the Cranes players and management about the significance of physical fitness; regular physical fitness testing and a need to establish a standard for the physical fitness tests for the Ugandan soccer teams.