Florence Abalo: The female coach proving netball success has no gender

In a sport where male coaches continue to dominate the top ranks, Florence Abalo is proving that success is earned through competence, leadership, and results rather than gender.

The Police Netball Club head coach has steadily built a reputation as one of the brightest coaching minds in Ugandan netball. Currently the only female head coach in the Netball Uganda Super League, Abalo has transformed Police into one of the league’s most exciting and competitive sides.

Her impact was on full display at the 2026 East Africa Netball Club Championship held in Nairobi, Kenya, where Police emerged as one of the tournament’s biggest surprises. The Ugandan side finished fourth overall and, remarkably, left the group stages unbeaten, making them the only Ugandan team to achieve that feat.

One of the standout moments of their campaign came when Police stunned reigning Netball Uganda Super League champions KCCA with a 44-39 victory during the group stages. The result sent a strong message across the region that Police are no longer just participants but genuine contenders capable of challenging the traditional giants of the game.

For Abalo, the team’s rise has been built on changing the mentality of the players and fostering a collective approach to success.

“I always emphasize teamwork and making sure that every department functions well,” Abalo explained.

“Having good players is different from having a good team. I always call for teamwork, and the results have been visible.”

Those results have certainly caught the attention of opponents and fans. Throughout the East African championship, many observers praised Police for their organization, discipline, and tactical approach, qualities that reflected Abalo’s influence on the team.

Her ability to connect with players has also played a major role in the club’s progress. As a former player herself, Abalo understands the challenges athletes face and how best to motivate them.

Police Netball Club team manager Esther Ssendagala believes that experience has been crucial to the team’s development.

“I am glad that Abalo is our coach,” Ssendagala said. “We made the right choice. Because she was once a player, she understands how to handle athletes and get the best out of them. This season our target is to finish in the top three.”

Police finished fifth in last season’s Netball Uganda Super League standings, but expectations are much higher this year.