Nelson Bogere's dream fulfilled: Appointed She Cranes coach

For Nelson Bogere, this opportunity is more than just another coaching role; it is a long-awaited dream fulfilled.

After his last appearance on the national team in 2019, where he served as assistant to coach Vincent Kiwanuka for the World Cup in Liverpool, Bogere returns to the national spotlight with renewed energy and focus.

“I am so happy to be appointed the She Cranes coach,” Bogere said with visible excitement. “It adds to my CV and showcases what I have done for my country. I will work closely with my assistant to continue building on the achievements of the team.”

Bogere’s appointment follows the tenure of veteran coach Fred Mugerwa, whose contributions to Ugandan netball are widely respected. Mugerwa led the She Cranes during their debut at the Fast5 tournament in 2022, guiding the team to an impressive fifth-place finish. His legacy is one Bogere is eager to uphold.

“We all know what coach Mugerwa has done for this nation,” Bogere reflected. “I respect him because he is my teacher. Stepping into his shoes gives me joy and courage. I’m eager to learn from him as I work to maintain the high standards he set.”

Cecilia Anyokoit, a member of the Netball Normalization Committee, explained that Bogere’s appointment was intended to give a new coach an opportunity after extensive consultations. “We applaud coach Mugerwa for the excellent job he did. He certainly did not disappoint. Our decision to bring in another coach was simply to give someone else a chance, and there was no negative intention behind appointing coach Bogere,” Anyokoit explained.

Nelson Bogere with his assistant Nouredeen Kato

Bogere’s task will not be an easy one. Uganda’s netball scene has faced challenges over the past year, particularly with the suspension of the Uganda Netball Federation's certificate by the National Council of Sports (NCS), which led to the league being inactive. This has raised concerns about the fitness of the players ahead of the global tournament.

However, Bogere remains confident in the experience and talent of the team, especially the 10 selected players who will compete in New Zealand. “It’s true that the absence of the league has affected the players’ fitness, and it has not allowed new talents to emerge,” Bogere acknowledged. “But we are committed to performing well. With the experience we have, we believe we can still put on a great show.”

This year marks Uganda’s second appearance in the Fast5 World Netball Series. In 2022, they left a strong impression on the global stage, and expectations are high for their return. As Bogere takes the helm, the entire nation will be watching eagerly, hopeful that the She Cranes will soar even higher in Christchurch.