From handball hero to Uganda netball Legend, She Cranes head coach Fred Mugerwa is our star of the day.
His journey in Ugandan sports is nothing short of extraordinary and began on the courts and fields, where he excelled in handball, hockey, and basketball, even clinching four handball league titles and one basketball championship during his playing days.
Mugerwa’s transition to coaching was seamless. His expertise shone as he led renowned teams like Coffee, Uganda Railways, Police, Makerere University, Crescent High, and Bukoyo SS to numerous victories in handball.
Under his guidance, they secured a staggering eight regional titles and nine handball league titles, solidifying his reputation as a coaching powerhouse.
From Handball Hero to Netball Legend, FRED MUGERWA is our star ⭐️ of the day.
— Nnalubaale Sports (@NnalubaaleS) January 31, 2024
His journey in Ugandan sports is nothing short of extraordinary.
Courtesy📸 | #GoLocal🏐
A thread 🧵 pic.twitter.com/EIDzrdriRW
His crowning achievement in Club handball came in 1995 when he guided Uganda Railways women to the coveted Commonwealth Club title.
He also contributed to the national women’s team and in 2011, he won gold at the All-Africa Games.
Soon after, Mugerwa embarked on a new trajectory, venturing into the realm of netball. He quickly made his mark, coaching Uganda Railways and Police before extending his expertise to various school teams.
His coaching prowess was undeniable, and in 2013, he was appointed head coach of the national netball team, the She Cranes. His impact was immediate, leading the team to a triumphant victory in the 2013 Five Nations Cup.
Two years later, Mugerwa spearheaded the She Cranes’ historic debut at the 2015 World Cup in Sydney, Australia.
However, in a surprising turn of events, he was relieved of his duties just before the tournament. Despite this setback, the She Cranes persevered, finishing an impressive 8th place.
In 2021, Mugerwa made a sensational return as the She Cranes coach, driven by a desire to see his unfinished business through.
After a few successful tournaments including the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, his dedication paid off, and in 2023, he guided the team to a remarkable third World Cup qualification in South Africa.
The She Cranes’ dominant performance, securing victories against formidable opponents like Malawi and South Africa, and finishing a commendable 5th place, solidified their position as Africa’s best.
Most recently, in January 2024, the She Cranes narrowly missed out on a Vitality Netball Nations Cup bronze medal, showcasing their continued growth under Mugerwa’s leadership.
Despite administrative challenges in the Uganda Netball Federation, Mugerwa remains optimistic about the team’s future, emphasizing the importance of training and friendly matches in preparation for upcoming tournaments.
Mugerwa’s impact extends far beyond trophies and accolades. He has transformed numerous players into household names, securing lucrative contracts abroad.
His dedication to mentorship empowers young coaches, ensuring the sustainability of netball excellence in Uganda.
Like fine wine, Mugerwa’s coaching prowess seems to only improve with age, and his journey promises many more exciting chapters for Ugandan netball.
We celebrate you good Sir.
This means more!
