Nambirige eyes first international netball cap

KAMPALA- Eighteen-year old Sandra Nambirige is among players vying for slots at the U-21 team preparing for Youth Netball World Cup qualifiers to be hosted at the MTN Arena in Lugogo on May 4-12.

She was among the outstanding players who helped the side to second placement in the national league last year.
Nambirige’s invitation for national duty is among her best achievements this year

The defender, a senior six student at St Mary’s Kitende has shown early intent to capture the netball world.
Nambirige has already secured a place at rejuvenated national league side KCCA.

“I am so delighted to be part of this long squad. Competition is too high because we are many and all working hard to see that we make the team,” Nambirige said.
The youngster is confident that she will make the final team.
“I have met most of these players in school competitions, while others I have studied with them, hopefully I will out compete them.
“I am trying hard to pay attention, focus and respect my coaches,” Nambirige added.

Nambirige believes that taking part in the Africa qualifiers will help her achieve some of her netball dreams.
“If I make it, the competition will help me gain exposure, experience and new skills. I will also start focusing on my dream of going professional,” she said.

Her start
The youngster was inspired to play netball by her teacher whom she only remembers as Makubuya at Bugolo Junior School, Lugala.
She also believes her mother Cissy Nabakooza who was also a netballer might have passed the game to her.

“Sometimes I think the game is in my blood because my mother also played it although not at club level,” she said.
In senior one she went Buddo SS before joining St Mary’s Kitende in senior three.

While at Buddo, they did not win any competition, however at Kitende, they have gone on to win the national rally, district competitions and East African netball trophies.

She credits legendary coach Fred Mugerwa for linking her to KCCA.
“I met coach Mugerwa at Kitende, he linked me and some colleagues to KCCA Netball Club.
“At KCCA I have learnt a lot, senior players are friendly and they have given us a go ahead,” Nambirige says excitedly.
Nambirige who does History, Economics, Divinity and ICT (HED/ICT) says she well balances studies with training.

“We only train in the evening after classes so netball has never affected my school performance,” she said.
At the senior national team, Nambirige admires shooter Stella Oyella’s style of play.

“Although we play different positions, I like Oyella’s swiftness and the way she makes marking so difficult on the side of the opponents,” Nambirige told SCORE.

At a glance

Name: Sandra Nambirige

Age: 18
Position: Defence
Team: KCCA, U-21 netball

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