Uganda’s national netball team, the She Cranes, is set to benefit from defender Faridah Kadondi’s move to the UK, where she will join Nottingham Forest Netball Club.
This is according to She Cranes’ head coach Fred Mugerwa Tabale, who hailed the move as a significant boost to the national team.
Kadondi, who is a standout player for the national team, signed with Nottingham Forest, a new entrant into the UK’s Netball Super League. She is expected to start playing for the club in the 2025 season.
Speaking to NBS Sport, coach Mugerwa emphasized the importance of Kadondi’s international exposure, pointing out that she will be only the second Ugandan defender to play professionally abroad.
“Kadondi’s move is a major addition to our team. Previously, we only had goal shooters playing overseas. Her experience in the UK will be invaluable, especially when she shares what she learns with the defenders playing locally,” Mugerwa said.
By joining Nottingham Forest, Kadondi follows in the footsteps of top Ugandan shooters like Mary Nuba, Peace Proscovia, Haniisah Muhameed, and Stella Oyella, who are already playing abroad.
However, her role as a defender adds a new dynamic to Uganda’s growing presence in international netball.
Coach Mugerwa attributed Kadondi’s move to her strong work ethic and coachability. “Kadondi is a hardworking player who listens and takes advice seriously. I believe that’s why Nottingham Forest was interested in her.”
As she prepares for the move, Mugerwa shared the advice he gave her: “I told her to listen to her coaches and to avoid bad company. Building good relationships with her teammates will help her stay longer at the club.”
However, Mugerwa also expressed concerns about the lack of competitive netball in Uganda.
The Uganda Netball Super League has not resumed since April last year, leaving many players without a platform to compete on a weekly basis.
“The absence of the league has affected us. Players have been out of competitive action for nearly two years. When they return to camp, it will take a lot of work to get them back to a competitive level,” Mugerwa noted.
Despite these challenges, the coach encouraged Ugandan players to stay hopeful. “I wouldn’t advise anyone to give up on the sport. This is temporary, and I believe by next year, the league will return,” he said.
