KCCA Netball Club produced a statement performance to defeat rivals NIC 42–36 in a pulsating Uganda Netball Super League encounter at Nakivubo on Saturday.
In a match that attracted one of the biggest crowds seen at a netball fixture in Kampala in the past two years, KCCA held their nerve to claim a deserved victory despite missing influential shooter Shadia Nassanga Ssegujja, popularly known as Miima, through injury.
Head coach Fred Mugerwa Tabale, however, admitted that his side’s preparations were hampered by a thin squad and limited rotation options.
“I have a very small squad on top of being without our very best player, Shadia Nassanga Ssegujja, due to injury. I had limited rotation options for a game of this magnitude,” Mugerwa said.
KCCA controlled three of the four quarters, taking the opening period 13–10 before extending their advantage with a 10–9 second quarter.
The third quarter ended 8–8, but KCCA finished strongly, winning the final period 11–9 to seal a six-goal victory.
Mugerwa praised his players for maintaining discipline and executing the game plan despite the intensity of the contest.
“It has been a hard game despite the win. The girls stuck to instructions and fought for positive results,” he said.
Mercy Bamutariza and Faisha Nakagolo stepped up in the absence of Miima, producing an influential attacking display as KCCA repeatedly exploited spaces in the NIC defence.
Margret Bagaala and Brenda Nakazibwe provided control through the centre court, while Shafie Nalwanjja and Christine Nakito worked relentlessly to disrupt NIC’s attacking combinations.
NIC, who were also missing injured Lillian Achola and Fildaus Namulema, struggled to find consistent attacking rhythm. The absence of Victo Nantumbwe further reduced their options, leaving Nanyonga to carry much of the offensive responsibility.
Angel and Winnie Isoto also found it difficult to create the necessary space as KCCA’s defensive unit maintained sustained pressure.
However, Mugerwa was far less impressed with the officiating, arguing that repeated umpiring errors threatened to undermine his team’s efforts.
“We put in a lot of time, energy and resources to prepare teams for such matches.
It is wrong for umpires to make such repeated mistakes in just one game and against one side,” Mugerwa said.
“We agree that there are always human errors, but doing it repeatedly becomes a concern.”
The victory moved KCCA to third place on 14 points from seven matches, although they have played three games fewer than leaders UCU and second-placed Weyonje.
Prisons also have 14 points from seven matches but remain fourth on an inferior goal difference, while NIC slipped to fifth on 12 points.
KCCA and Prisons remain the league’s only unbeaten sides.
Elsewhere, Weyonje continued their impressive run with a commanding 48–34 victory over Posta, while Prisons defeated Buddo SS 50–35.
Police Netball Club overcame Dynamite 44–33, and UPDF edged Kajjansi Progressive 43–41 before Kajjansi Progressive returned to court to beat UGX Luweero 43–40.
Saturday’s Full Results
KCCA 42–36 NIC
Weyonje 48–34 Posta
Prisons 50–35 Buddo SS
Police 44–33 Dynamite
UPDF 43–41 Kajjansi Progressive
Kajjansi Progressive 43–40 UGX Luweero
