Shadia Nassanga, a Ugandan netball player, has won the Most Valuable Player (MVP), Best Shooter, and leading scorer awards at the Africa Netball Championship held in Nairobi, Kenya. She led her team, the She Cranes, to victory, defeating South Africa 56-53 in the final. Nassanga's impressive performance earned her an average of 32.2 goals per game, solidifying her position as a top player in the tournament.
The Africa Netball Championship also served as a World Cup qualifier, securing Uganda's place on the global stage. Nassanga's achievement was deeply personal, as she had previously won several silver medals and was determined to win African gold. Her journey to success began with a 12-day residential camp at Allen VR Staleny School in Nakilebe, where coach Rashid Mubiru and assistant Ruth Meeme worked on defensive organisation, midcourt adjustments, and team cohesion.
Nassanga's accuracy remained a major weapon throughout the tournament, and her teammates, including Christine Namulumba, Sheila Nabanja, and Evelyn Ayitesi, impressed in defence. The team had to cope with the absence of star shooter Mary Nuba, who remained in England with her new employers. Nassanga's impressive performance was built on preparation and teamwork, as she mentioned, "We worked on our defence and mid-court adjustments. Going by how we prepared, it was clear we were favourites and we lived up to the billing."
Nassanga's journey to African glory began far away from the bright lights of Kasarani. As a young girl, Nassanga followed her sister, Hajara Ssegujja, to a village netball court simply because she was bored. She knew little about the sport until she picked up a ball. Coaches noticed her imposing frame and natural accuracy, and by Primary Seven she had become one of Wakiso's promising young players.
Richard Ssentongo, then at Exodus Secondary School, recruited Nassanga and helped mould her game. "The coach decided I should focus on goal attack and shooting. It needed less movement but perfect accuracy. I spent most of my time just shooting," she recalled. Ssentongo repeatedly told her she would one day play for Uganda. That prediction became reality, and netball eventually paid her school fees and took her to Victoria University.
Nassanga's sporting ability extended beyond netball, as she also played basketball. In 2024, JKL Lady Dolphins manager Fredricks 'Freedom' Owora spotted her at a basketball game and signed her after one training session, despite her limited knowledge of the sport. She adapted quickly, helping JKL win the Fuba Women’s National Basketball League title in 2024 and defend it in 2025.
Now, the target shifts to the Spar Diamond Challenge in South Africa, before the bigger challenge of the Netball World Cup. For Nassanga, the dream has finally become reality, and she is no longer chasing African gold – she is wearing it. The girl who once wandered onto a village court out of curiosity has become a champion, and her achievement serves as a testament to her hard work and dedication.
Key points
- Shadia Nassanga wins MVP, Best Shooter, and leading scorer awards at Africa Netball Championship
- Uganda secures place in Netball World Cup
- Nassanga's journey to success began with a village netball court and a 12-day residential camp.
