The Uganda Netball women’s super league finally returned to action after a nearly two-year hiatus, with four thrilling fixtures taking place on Saturday at Nakivubo Stadium.
UCU Angels set the tone for the day with a convincing 54-35 victory over new league entrants Dynamite Netball Academy, earning them a spot at the top of the table in match week one.
However, the day’s most captivating match-up was undoubtedly the clash between record champions National Insurance Corporation (NIC) and KCCA Netball Club.
In a nail-biting encounter, KCCA Netball Club emerged victorious, edging out NIC 40-39 in a one-goal difference.
Fred Mugerwa’s KCCA team got off to a flying start, winning the first quarter 11-10, thanks in part to the impressive goal-shooting accuracy of Shadia Nassanga, who had just returned from the Malaysian league.
The Kasasiro girls maintained their momentum in the second quarter, with centre player Nakazibwe Brendah expertly controlling the tempo of the game.
At one point, KCCA had built a four-goal lead, but NIC’s shooting pair managed to whittle down the deficit, leaving KCCA with a slim 19-18 advantage at halftime.
NIC stormed back in the third quarter, scoring 12 goals to KCCA’s eight, and took a 27-30 lead into the final quarter.
With NIC seemingly poised to take the win, KCCA’s defence, marshalled by Shaffie Nalwanja, Kitimbo Flavia, and Christine Nakitto, staged an extraordinary comeback.
Two crucial steals in the final quarter brought KCCA back into contention, and Shadia Nassanga’s decisive shot sealed the win for the Kasasiro girls.
This victory marked a repeat of last season’s encounter between the two teams, where KCCA emerged victorious in the first leg.
NIC, who failed to win the trophy in the previous season, will now face a tough challenge as they visit defending champions Prisons Netball Club on match day two.
Meanwhile, KCCA will take on Busia Greater Lions.
In other fixtures, UPDF secured a 46-43 win over UGISA, while Busia Greater Lions edged out UGX-Luweero 44-42.
