Prisons Netball Club delivered a statement performance in their opening match of the East African Netball Club Championship 2025, overpowering Tanzanian side Jeshi Stars 55-39 at the New Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.
Jeshi Stars, known for their physicality and national team contributions, started brightly, pushing Prisons hard in the opening exchanges.
The first quarter ended with Prisons narrowly ahead at 13-11, and the second quarter remained tightly contested, with the Ugandan side holding a slender 26-24 lead at the half.
But it was in the second half that Prisons pulled away.
Led by the calm leadership of captain Christine Kango Namulumba, Prisons adapted their game plan with smart substitutions from head coach Elnouredine Kato Hassan.
The introduction of debutant Joan Reykoboth and mid-court duo Dorothy Tabia and Joyce Nakibuule changed the game’s complexion, as the Ugandan side dominated the final quarter.
Prisons outscored Jeshi Stars 17-7 in the final stretch to complete a 16-point win, affirming their credentials as serious contenders for the regional title.
KCCA and NIC also recorded big wins on day one, with KCCA thrashing JKU 65-25 and NIC dismantling Zimamoto 58-22.
The strong collective performance by Ugandan clubs signals an early regional dominance and sets up a potentially explosive clash between NIC and KCCA later in the competition.
Coach Kato hailed his team’s character, particularly the seamless blend of youth and experience, as they prepare to face Magereza in their next encounter.
