NIC targets 28th East Africa Netball title as championship kicks off in Zanzibar

The NIC Netball Club has achieved 27 titles in the East Africa Netball Club Championship over the past 30 years.

They are not planning to slow down in their quest for further success as they prepare to compete on the courts of Zanzibar in their 31st championship outing.

NIC will represent Uganda alongside four other teams, KCCA NC and Prisons NC as well as two men’s teams, KIU NC and the men’s defending champions, WOB NC.

A team consisting of 12 players and four officials was officially flagged off for the championship on Thursday. The event was led by Elias Edu, the new managing director of NIC Holdings, who was accompanied by the chief financial officers of NIC and NIC Holdings, Anthony Matovu and Wale Oluwaniyi, respectively. Also in attendance was Jocelyn Ucanda, the president of Netball Uganda.

Edu urged the team to go out and defend their title, assuring them of the company's full support during this championship and in future competitions. "Our goal here is to encourage you as you embark on this trip. Always give your best effort, as it is very difficult to stay at the top; everyone will be aiming to beat you. We want to assure you of our unwavering support because when people excel, we motivate them to achieve even more," Edu stated. "You must each play your part, both individually and as a team, to ensure success. It's essential to be in top condition and shape to compete and win." “Put in the hard work, avoid unnecessary distractions, maintain discipline, be dedicated, and listen to the coaches and to the senior members of the team, and learn from them and maintain teamwork,” Edu advised.

Matovu encouraged the team to be brand ambassadors, as the company aims to expand throughout East Africa, emphasizing that winners never quit. “Go build and lead the brand, and be the brand,” Matovu said.

Ucanda said the team is aware of the task ahead and must replicate what the former players achieved by returning with the trophy.

“We have been winners all along, and NIC NC has produced a number of national team players, so there is no reason why we don’t continue with the same winning mentality because the girls are well-coached and well-facilitated,” she said. She said they are also motivated to emulate the likes of Peace Proscovia, Stella Oyella, and others.

“Our teams should go out and continue to prove that Uganda is still the best in the region

She said Netball Uganda is keen on sending teams to the Olympics the reason they have also sent men’s teams.

The team coach Rashid Mubiru and assistant captain Mutesi Nasiimu were also looking forward to

“We have prepared well and have added new signings that have improved our competitiveness, and we are hopeful of defending our title because our players are more exposed than most of the other teams,” Mubiru said.

“We are well prepared both mentally and physically, and we are born winners, and we are prepared to overcome any challenges. The coaches have done their work very well, and our major aim is to return with the trophy,” Nasiimu added.

The players were energized as they prepared to leave for the annual championship. Shatra Noluutu, one of the new signings from Weyonje NC and a participant in her second East African championship, expressed her determination to fight for her first regional championship trophy. “We want to be victorious again, and we are ready for any team that stands in our way,” said Flidauce Namulema. Gloria Aya added, “There are many new teams competing this year, and we need to beat all of them because we are a strong team and the defending champions. We expect nothing less than victory.” Shakirah Nassaka also shared her thoughts: “We have high expectations for this tournament since we are the defending champions, and we are ready to overcome any challengers.”