With determination etched across their faces and the Indian Ocean breeze at their backs, the Uganda Netball Super League champions, Prisons Netball Club, touched down in Zanzibar yesterday, brimming with purpose.
Their mission is to finally capture the elusive East African Netball Club Championship crown after two straight heartbreaks in the finals.
Speaking up on arrival, Head Coach Elnouredine Kato Hassan exuded quiet confidence.
“We’ve learned from the past two finals and have worked hard to strengthen our game,” he remarked.
“The team is focused, and our new players bring fresh dynamism to our campaign.”
His remarks set the tone for what promises to be a thrilling week of netball at the Magnificent New Amaan Stadium, a recently refurbished arena boasting a mega capacity and state-of-the-art floodlights.
The venue will host 12 top-tier women’s teams from Uganda, Zanzibar, Tanzania, and Rwanda, split into two groups, alongside a smaller men’s competition featuring four squads.
The Prisons Queens, led by RO David Moses Okiring as Head of Delegation, have arrived with a point to prove.
In 2023, they narrowly lost to rivals NIC in Nairobi. A year later, history repeated itself in Dar es Salaam.
Now, Coach Hassan believes the blend of seasoned talent and promising youth may be the formula for redemption.
Captain Christine Kango Namulumba anchors a robust lineup featuring netball stalwarts like Sylvia Nanyonga, Stella Nanfuka and Hadijah Nakabuye while three teenage debutants Khadala Nashim, Sharon Pita and Joan Reykoboth offer a glimpse into the club’s future.
Officials
- Head Coach – Hassan Kato
- Team Manager – ASP Florence Amono
- Assistant Coach/player – Lillian Ajio
- Media Officer – Fred Akena
- Team Doctor – Beatrice Rwegyema
- Head of delegation – PRRO David Moses Okiring
Full Squad
Captain – Christine Kango Namulumba, Sylvia Nanyonga, Dorothy Tabia, Stella Nanfuka, Tausi Mumena, Hadijah Nakabuye, Joyce Nakibuule, Saidah Bulage, Conslate Akumu, Malisera Akello, Khadala Nashim, Sharon Pita and Joan Reykoboth
