KAMPALA — She Cranes shooter Shadia Nassanga has attributed Uganda’s historic Africa Netball Championship triumph to collective effort after being named the Fortebet Real Star for September.
Nassanga, who also turns out for KCCA Netball Club, was recognised Tuesday at Molecule Restaurant and Lounge in Kololo following her influential contribution to Uganda’s successful campaign at the continental championship in Nairobi, Kenya.
Rather than claiming individual credit for a tournament in which she emerged as both Best Shooter and Most Valuable Player, Nassanga used her acceptance speech to underline the collective effort behind Uganda’s fourth continental crown.
“I’m happy to be back here again. This victory is not for me alone. We worked as a team and we won. So I thank my fellow players and the technical team for the job well done,” Nassanga said.
Her words came after the She Cranes produced a composed display to defeat South Africa 56-53 in the final, securing Uganda’s fourth Africa Netball Championship title.
Nassanga was central to that success, consistently providing Uganda with a reliable scoring outlet throughout the tournament before earning the individual accolades that capped her campaign.
The KCCA shooter emerged ahead of fellow She Cranes players Margaret Baagala and Christine Namulumba in the September Real Star voting.
Baagala was also recognised at the continental championship after being named the tournament’s best midcourt player.
For Nassanga, however, the individual award was secondary to the achievement of reclaiming continental supremacy with the national team.
The September awards also recognised excellence in other sporting disciplines, with boxer Farahat Manirola taking the boxing accolade and golfer Ronald Rugumayo winning in golf.
Veteran sports journalist Yusuf Baliruno was separately honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to Ugandan sports journalism.
Baliruno described the recognition as a significant milestone in his career, dedicating it to his family and fellow journalists.
“Today is a great day in my life. I dedicate this to my family.
They endure waking up every day, travelling long journeys and opening the door for you every day. It is not easy,” Baliruno said.
He added that his career in football and sports journalism had shaped him profoundly, describing the award as motivation for the next chapter of his professional journey.
