The National Netball Super League returned with a bang on Saturday, ending a two-year hiatus in thrilling fashion as KCCA edged record champions NIC 40-39 in a pulsating clash at a packed Nakivubo Stadium.
The highly anticipated opener not only marked the revival of top-flight netball in Uganda but also delivered high drama and intense competition across the board. In the headline fixture, KCCA announced their return with a statement performance, narrowly overcoming NIC in a game that went down to the wire.
“This win is massive for us,” said KCCA head coach Fred Tabale Mugerwa. “We’ve waited two years for this, and to start by beating the champions? It’s a huge morale boost.”
However, NIC head coach Rashid Mubiru questioned the officiating, claiming the referees tilted the contest in KCCA’s favour.
“The game was taken out of our hands. The referees clearly favored KCCA,” he said in frustration following the narrow loss.
The comments sparked a heated post-match debate. NIC’s veteran player Mutesi Nasiimu called for composure in the aftermath.
“It’s a tough loss, but it’s only the beginning. We’ll bounce back stronger,” she told reporters.
KCCA’s Norah Lunkuse hit back at any insinuation of unfair play.
“We earned this win. We were focused, prepared, and we delivered. No shortcuts, no favors,” she said.
The opening day featured more gripping contests. UPDF overcame a determined UGISA side 46-43 in another close match, while UCU impressed with a dominant 52-35 victory over Dynamite. In yet another tight finish, Busia Greater Lions edged UGX Luwero 44-42.
