Looks are crucial in women sport - Nanyonga

Jun 28, 2015

TO Goal Attacker (GA) Rachael Nanyonga, 24, the netball court is a grand stage where looks and skill must go hand in hand. At a recent tournament in Durban she emerged as one of the best players

By James Bakama

 

TO Goal Attacker (GA) Rachael Nanyonga, 24, the netball court is a grand stage where looks and skill must go hand in hand. She was indeed striking at a recent tournament in Durban where she emerged as one of the best players. She opened up to New Vision about her South Africa experience and World Cup preparations.

 

You were a hit at the Diamond Challenge in Durban, South Africa. What is stardom like? 

It’s amazing how things can change. Many people know me now. Wherever we went in South Africa people kept noticing me. They kept saying “you girl we saw you on TV. You are a good player.” It is the same thing back home.

 

Going by what we were seeing in Durban, you people seem to devote quite some time to make-up before matches. 

That’s true. It’s natural a woman has to make up whenever she has a public appearance. You have to look good. You have to actually be striking so that people say: Who is that girl? It is not in order to shabbily appear on court with your hair for instance flying all over the place.

 

What else is important before matches? 

I try to be relaxed. Also watch what you eat. A light meal of posho and beans is my favourite. We were warned against delicacies like chicken, beef, fish and chips. These in the long run make you overweight. But posho and beans give me power. But of course I missed this in Durban.

 

You were outstanding in Durban with almost flawless scoring. Should we expect even better performance at the World Cup in August? 

That’s my prayer. I am working tirelessly towards that. My dream is to do well in Sydney then play professional netball in England.

 

Did the She Cranes have any gains from South Africa? 

It was a good exposure. We played more experienced teams like South Africa and Malawi. These teams have been to the World Cup a number of times. So, we had a lot to learn from them. They might have beaten us, but if we work harder we can bridge the gap. But I must also say this, the refereeing was very bad. We could have done much better.

 

Cash constraints have forced Uganda out of the Africa Netball Championship in Botswana. What is it like missing such a big event? 

It is a big blow. We were anxiously waiting to build on the exposure we had in Durban. What is even more hurting is the fact that Africa’s other World Cup representatives will be there. The tournament will take them another step ahead of us.

 

I noticed that you hold the ball like a basket baller. Why is that? 

That’s true. I also play basketball. It is my second sport. I play for Magic Stormers. I am their Big Man (center). You are right I hold the ball with two hands. It has its advantages especially when faking. You are also more accurate shooting with both hands. 

 

But that alone is not what makes you a good shooter. 

I train hard. At times I train in netball and the same day also train in basketball. To shoot well, you must not only perfect your throws, but also compose yourself in the midst of challenge. I always take a breath, relax then shoot. That’s the secret to my good shooting.

 

If you weren’t into netball or basketball, in which sport would we see you? 

Athletics. I would be a star on the national team. I used to be a very good sprinter. I left athletics because I wasn’t well facilitated.

 

Who is your idol? 

My teammate Rukia Meeme. She has good physique and also plays well. She has also always encouraged me. Then there is also Malawi’s prolific goal attacker Mwayi Kumwenda. Her shooting is simply superb.

 

Nanyonga and Meme (right) skip during training at Namboole.

So, when did your attachment to sports start? 

It all started in P5 at Kanyanya Church of Uganda Primary School. I continued as an active sports person at Nankyama Memorial College. It is there that I was spotted by Gombe SS. I was given a sports scholarship. I was later taken on by St Marys Kitende on a similar arrangement.

 

Did you eventually make it to university? 

Unfortunately, I had a short spell at Makerere University Business School. I couldn’t pay tuition. When I get money I will go back to school. I would love to complete a degree in Business Administration. My sports career could be cut short by injury. With a degree, life after sports will be much easier.

 

Your ever growing army of fans would want to know what Rachael does outside the national team. 

If I am not playing netball or basketball you will most likely get me coaching. I teach netball at Mumsa High School in Mpanga Busundo, Mityana. I also play for NIC netball club. If it weren’t for the money I earn from these institutions, life would be very hard. I am very grateful for what they have done for me. I am not into things like clubbing. I love movies. Give me High School movies and you would have made my day. But I don’t like Nigerian movies because they are usually about witchcraft.

 

Are you married?

If I was I would have a ring. All I can tell you is that I have a boyfriend. 

 

Can Uganda win the World Cup? 

Nothing is impossible. Of course we can. All that is required is hard work. Yes we can become world champions.

 

What they say

Fellow player Ruth Meeme: Rachael has a lot of potential. I always give her tips on how to excel. I have played with her right from high school and university. She is a very good shooter and also defends well.

 

Team coach Fred Mugerwa: A hard working girl who loves what she does. She also listens. She falls in that rare group of players who always want to know their mistakes. I must say she is a perfectionist.

 

National team manager Jocelyn Uchanda: Rachael is a hard worker. She doesn’t wait for coaches to tell her what to do. She even goes an extra mile by going to the gym. It’s good that she is shining after previously not being given enough opportunities. Now that she has a chance she is out to prove a point. She is very accurate, agile and fl exible. She makes incredible turns in the D. If you are marking her it is not possible to know which direction she is going to turn.

 

Team captain Peace Proscovia: Rachael has disproved the myth that she fears games. When she had just joined the senior team, she used to be uneasy. But I must say she has really stepped up her game. She is now a very promising player. She is swift and also very accurate at goal.

 

Know your player

Favourite artiste: Bebe Cool

Best food: Posho and beans

Best movie: Pretty Woman Favourite destination:

Durban Dream: To be a professional netballer in England

Dream car: Lexus LS Hybrid

Best moment: Winning the Six Nations tournament in Singapore in January 2013

Favourite phone: Samsung Galaxy Note 4

Motivational quote: Never give up

Age started playing netball: 10 years

 

Teams: She Cranes, NIC, St Mary’s Kitende, Gombe SS and Nankyama memorial. Thrice East Africa champion and 4 time league winner with NIC, East Africa, National Rally, Novices and National Post Primary Schools champion with St Mary’s Kitende.

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