Despite experiencing recent personal tragedy with the loss of her father, the late Muhammad Kimbugwe, She Cranes star player Hanisha Muhammad is determined to make her country proud at the upcoming 2024 Fast5 Netball World Series in New Zealand.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with NBS Sport, Hanisha opened up on how she has undergone a difficult period, but she is ready to bounce back.
“I’ll be honest with you; this has been one of the most challenging years for me,” the player, who featured for Surrey Storm in the Netball Super League of the UK last season, admitted.
“I have been struggling mentally after losing my dad, but I’m trying as much to settle in and be very positive.” She added.
Hanisha, who plays both as a goal shooter and goalkeeper for the national team, credits her strong support system for helping her cope with the loss.
“I have a very good support system; my family, my mum and siblings. Most importantly, I speak to my mentor and therapist every day,” she revealed.
“It takes time, but I’m going to heal eventually.” Hanisha expressed with confidence.
According to the talented player, the netball court has become a sanctuary for her healing, and she finds joy and solace in engaging in the sport during this difficult time.
“Netball for me is a safe space,” Hanisha explained. “Just being here and playing netball gives me a sense of joy. My teammates and coaches are helping me focus on being part of the team.”
She said this yesterday, during one of the She Cranes’ training sessions at the MTN Arena in Lugogo in preparation for the Fast5 tournament.
Her presence is expected to be a great addition to the team and Hanisha stated that she’s now focused on making her country proud in the upcoming tournament.
“At the moment, there’s such an important tournament that is coming up, and that’s where my focus is right now.”
The She Cranes have been intensifying their preparations for the Fast5 tournament, scheduled to begin on November 9.
Hanisha expressed how these sessions, including having friendly games with The Rock, Uganda’s men’s national netball team, are helping the team prepare for the tournament.
“Fast5 in particular is such a technical tournament. You need people to challenge you, and every time we train with the boys, they do just that. They’re very strong and fast, there’s so much we can learn from them.” She noted.
After finishing fifth in the 2022 edition, the She Cranes are aiming higher this year.
On what the team is looking to achieve this year at the Fast5 tournament, Hanisha said that they’re ready to challenge the big teams and bring home silverware.
“As the She Cranes, we always go to tournaments to deliver. We try as much to challenge the big teams. The last time we played in the Fast5, we took a win off Australia.”
“This time round, hopefully we can win a medal or even win the championship because that’s the goal we are preparing for.” Hanisha added.
When asked about her personal aspirations going into the tournament, Hanisha said that she’s not focused on individual accolades, but winning as a team.
Looking beyond the tournament, the netballer also shared her thoughts on the recent appointment of Joycelyn Ucanda as Netball Uganda president.
“I’m a very positive person and I wish her all the best,” she said, while emphasising the importance of supporting the new administration.
She urged the incoming leadership to prioritize players’ welfare, stating, “We are the biggest stakeholders of the game, and when you focus on us, we get the job done on the court.”
