NIC retains East Africa Netball Championship crown

NIC are champions of East Africa Netball | Photo Credit: Courtesy

NETBALL NIC retains East Africa Netball Championship crown

Shafic Kiyaga • 13:52 - 21.05.2023

NIC's 49-37 triumph marked their 21st title win in the competition.

National Insurance Corporation (NIC) successfully defended their East Africa Netball Championship title with a resounding victory over Prisons in an all-Uganda final held at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Kenya.

NIC's 49-37 triumph marked their 21st title win in the competition.

NIC entered the final seeking to reclaim the title they had won last year and to avenge Prisons, who had denied them the league title in the previous season.

The game started with NIC taking an early lead, dominating the first quarter with a 9-6 advantage. They maintained their momentum, going into halftime with a comfortable five-goal lead at 23-17.

Prisons struggled to mount a comeback as NIC continued to showcase their defensive strength and goal-scoring prowess in the second half.

Despite Prisons' efforts, NIC maintained their composure and secured a well-deserved 49-37 victory, successfully retaining their East Africa Netball Championship title.

The triumph caps off a successful campaign for NIC, who had faced doubts following their defeat to Prisons in the penultimate game of the league season.

However, the team made astute additions to their squad, including players Gloria Aya, Fildauce Namuleme, Sandra Nambirige, and Cindrella Anena, which proved instrumental in their title defense.

Prisons, who had defeated Kenya Prisons 55-36 in the semi-finals, had to settle for the silver medal as NIC denied them the opportunity for a double this season.

In the men's category of the tournament, WOB emerged as champions by defeating defending titleholders Kampala University in a closely contested final.

WOB secured a 50-47 victory to claim the East Africa title in an impressive display of skill and determination.

The East Africa Netball Club Championships featured a total of five Ugandan clubs, with NIC, Prisons, and Makindye Weyonje representing the women's teams, and Kampala University and WOB representing the men's teams.

NIC's successful title defence and WOB's triumph in the men's category highlighted the strength of Ugandan netball and set the stage for future regional competitions.