The Uganda Netball Federation has officially launched the East African Netball Club championships at their offices in Old Kampala.
The East African championships will take place in Uganda from the 8th May to 15th May at the newly constructed Kamwokya community sports centre.
The tournament will see a number of up to 16 teams take part with Uganda represented by six teams in both the ladies and men categories.
In the ladies, NIC the defending champions will be joined by KCCA, Prisons and UPDF whereas Kampala University and WOB will take part in the men’s category.
Francis Banya, the CEO of the Uganda Netball Federation, has expressed their readiness to host the tournament which will bring revenues to the government.
“The clubs are hungry to participate in the tournament as it’s returning since COVID 19 attacked the universe. We expect stiff competition from all the clubs and as the hosting nation we are ready to host,” Said Francis Banya.
The defending Champions NIC who won the tournament in 2019 are eager to defend their crown and club captain Stella Oyella has warned whoever will fall into their way to the trophy.
“We as players are ready, we don’t have any pressure but determined to defend the title and we are ready to humble whosever come our way,” Said Oyella.
KCCA who finished second in the completed National Netball league are also prepared to fight till their last breath as shooter Shadia Nassanga can’t wait to feature in her first tournament.
“As a player, I have never featured in this tournament but I am eager to take up this opportunity but as KCCA, we are set to win this title despite our poor start in the league and we gained and finished second. It won’t be an easy challenge to those who want to win but things change as we can also win it,” Said Shadia Nassanga
Confirmed teams that will participate
Tanzania:
Female – JKT Mbweni, uhamiagi, Tamisemi
Male – Muungano, Arusha Jiji
Zanzibar
Female – JKU, KVZ
Male – JKU
Kenya
Female – Prison NC
Male – Prisons NC
Uganda
Female – NIC (Defending Champions), Prison NC, KCCA NC, UPDF
Male – Kampala University (Defending Champions), WOB