Ugandan netball star Mary Nuba leaves Australian Club after two seasons

She Cranes professional netballer Mary Nuba Cholhok has mutually agreed with the Queensland Firebirds management to leave the Australian club after two seasons, paving the way for her to join another team for the 2027 Netball season.

The Queensland Firebirds confirmed the departure of the Ugandan international goal shooter on their official website yesterday, announcing that Cholhok had accepted an offer from another club.

"Cholhok has advised the club she will be accepting an offer elsewhere for the 2027 Super Netball season," the club said in a statement.

Cholhok joined the Firebirds from English club Loughborough Lightning and spent two seasons with the Queensland-based side. During her time in the purple dress, she established herself as a dominant presence in the shooting circle, scoring 996 goals in 28 Super Netball appearances.

Her departure comes after two challenging seasons for the Firebirds. The club finished eighth in the 2025 Suncorp Super Netball season, recording just two victories after being affected by mid-season injuries and a decline in form following a promising start.

The Firebirds again struggled during the 2026 regular season, finishing seventh out of eight teams with four wins and 10 losses.

Although Cholhok has not publicly stated that the team's struggles influenced her decision to leave, the club's difficult run could be among the factors behind her decision to seek a new challenge ahead of the 2027 season.

Reflecting on her time with the Firebirds, Cholhok expressed gratitude to the club, her teammates and the wider Queensland community.

"I want to express how much being part of this journey means to me," Cholhok said.

"The purple family's unwavering support has truly been the backbone of our club, and I'm so grateful for it.

"To my amazing teammates, the friendships we've made are priceless and I will cherish them forever. A special thanks to the staff for making my family feel so welcome in Queensland.

"I'll always be part of the purple family."

Firebirds head coach Kiri Wills paid tribute to Cholhok's contribution both on and off the court, describing the Ugandan international as an inspirational figure within the team.

"Mary is a truly unique and inspirational human being, and that has deeply impacted all of us who've had the privilege of getting to know her over the past two years," Wills said.

"She's been an incredible target for us in the shooting circle, but it's who she is as a person that really stands out, her warmth, her resilience and the joy she brings every single day.

"We're so grateful for everything she's given this club, and we wish her and her family all the very best for what lies ahead."

Cholhok's next destination has not been publicly disclosed, but her departure brings an end to her two-year spell with the Firebirds and opens a new chapter in the career of one of Uganda's leading netball stars.