Netball Awards 2022: Nasaka, Matovu Bashir Win Big as UNF Writes History
The Weyonje Netball Club skipper and a defender Shakira Nasaka crowned the best player of the season 2021 in women’s category as Matovu Bashir of SMASH stood tall against his competitors.
Uganda Netball Federation new executive went down in books of history as the first regime to hold such a magnificent event that recognized and celebrated the efforts and performance of individuals as well as clubs.
Yesterday at Imperial Royal Hotel in Kampala, the Uganda Netball Federation held an awarding ceremony that attracted a number of dignitaries from sports sector, entertainment, Corporate world and political wing.
State Minister for Sports, Hon. Hamson Obua was the guest of honor but other big names in the house was the Olympic Committee president Donald Rukare, former UOC President, William Blick, Kampala University Vice Chancellor Al-Haji Badru Kateregga Kiguddu, NIC Insurance Corporation MD, former members of Parliament, Federation heads and National team former players (Ex-Internationals).
To win the maiden Best Player of the year Award female category, the former UPDF defender, Shakira Nasaka beat her teammate and the league topscorer Asinah Kabendela and NIC midfielder, Margret Baagala.
In her words after winning the award, the Kampala University student asserted that she has worked hard to reach that level and she is will to add more to see that she can maintain the position though it’s not easy.
“I am really happy for this award, the first in my life, surely I didn’t get it from a sliver plate, I worked for it and I am going to work more to protect it and keep it for another year, it’s easy to get to top but maintaining it is a big challenge.” Nasaka told this website before adding.” I thank my teammates, the Weyonje Administration and the fans who put trust in me and I promise to work hard even to see that I make it to the national team.”
Matovu Bashir of SMASH Netball Club, beat his competitors in Kizito John of Kampala University and Mugisha Moses of Prison NC and he had this comment.
“This has been our first season in the league, we have finished sixth but as a player I put up my best show to help my team and I think that’s why I am awarded. I thank the federation for helping the boy child, my Youths are in the ghetto have talent but no platform but the federation is trying to bring us in the game thought, it’s only for Girls.”
The event had entertainers;
King Saha, Madrat and Chiko plus Geosteady entertained the guests.
The State Minister for Sports Hon Hamson Obua at the this event it’s when he Publicly asked MTN Uganda to join Uganda Netball Federation because it’s one of the best organized federation in the country currently.
Obua also revealed that Netball is soon eating big because it’s one of the nitch sport they are giving attention.
The president of the federation, Hon. Babirye Kityo Sarah asserted that, what we saw is just the beginning, she thanked the Sponsors and the partners who worked hard to see that the event look colourful.
List of full Winners;
Weyonje Captain Nassaka, like earlier stated, took home the biggest prize – Player of the Season (Women) – an award that was accompanied with some prizes from a couple of sponsors.
The equivalent of Nassaka’s award in the Men’s division went to Bashir Matovu of SMASH.
The Best top scorer went to Asinah Kabendela of Weyonje, Vincent Kiwanuka (NIC) was named the best coach, Rebecca Kavulu (UNF Umpiring Committee) was recognized with a Presidential Award while Jackson Kayiira (Online Content Manager) was awarded with the best UNF Employee award.
The KCCA duo of Sandra Nambirige and Shadiah Nassanga were awarded with Promising and most improved player of the year respectively.
Best seven of the season – First Division; GS – Kabendela Asina (Weyonje), GA – Stella Oyella (NIC), GK – Shifah Nalwanja (KCCA), C – Bagala Maggie (NIC), WD – Viola Asingo (Prisons), GD – Shakira Nassaka (Weyonje), WA – Nolah Lunkuse (KCCA).
The best Male 7 of the season has Ssebuliba Mishali- Int’l, Eppa Richard-KU, Matovu Bashir-SMASH, Kizito John-KU, Wasswa Disan-WOB, Bosco Yiga-Blue Stars Magpies and Mugisha Moses-Prisons
The Winners of the three divisions – NIC (Super League), Greater Busia Netball team (Women Second Division) and Kampala University (Men Division) – plus first and second runners up were crowned on the night as well.
Fair Play award was given to Air Force