Netball Development: Central Region Wins Inaugural U12 Championship

Uganda Netball Federation held the maiden regional U12 Netball Championship as one of the ways to develop the game from grassroot, the tournament was held yesterday, 23rd December, 2021 at Old Kampala Indoor Arena.

Central Region crowned Champions of the one day tournament that attracted five teams from five regions [Kampala, Central, Western, Northern and Eastern] that make a Uganda Netball community.

Central Region beat Kampala 8-7 on final.t

The tournament that served as the year ender party for kids with Netball Federation, was played on a round robin format, each side featured each other, Kampala Region topped the log with eight points but beaten on final by second played Central Region.

The Inaugural tournament attracted at least 50 girls of U12 years from five regions and it was held under the theme; Girl child development through Sports.

The purpose of this tournament was to start track future She Cranes stars from grassroots as the federation president, Hon. Babirye Kityo Sarah elaborates.

“First of all, I am very happy that we held a successful Tournament for our kids despite the fact that the federation has no finances. I am happy that the kids are happy, I am happy because we keep doing the things we promised before entering Office.” Exclusively Hon. Babirye Kityo Sarah spoke to this website.

“The main purpose for this tournament was to groom talent from Grassroot, as we promised, we want to have tournament/leagues for all under age such that we get the best at National team.

Such tournaments give us opportunity to track the girls at tender age, we collected all their data, which is good. We also want to give exposure to these girls, surely those who have watched, they can tell how talented these girls are, and if we don’t host such tournaments, we can’t scout such talents.” She explained.

Namutebi KURUTHUM from Central Region who was named as the best defender of the tournament revealed what she wants to be in future.

“I am happy that we played today and won, we came praying to God to give us victory to which He did.”

” I don’t know the players at national team but I want to be the best defender on she Cranes.” The 11yr old Namutebi KURUTHUM excitedly told this website.

“What made us to win today is that we have been training these girls, central region has many academies and girls came from different districts. We are happy that the federation started hosting such Tournaments, this gives us morale to continue with grassroots development.” Mujabi Ephraim told voice of Bugerere.

Dignitaries from the sports sector attended the event, that is NIC Netball Club Manager, Hajjat Fatia Kitaka, Mutete Wilberforce, Director Mutlex NC and former federation Pro, She Cranes players in Ruth Meeme, Hanisha Muhammed and Joan Nampungu.

Patrick Okanya, the president of Uganda Secondary School Sports Association (USSSA) was the guest of honor.

U12 Netball Tournament

Round Robin full results:

Eastern 03-12 Central Region

Kampala 14-04 Western

Northern 07-19 Eastern Region

Central Region 10-11 Kampala

Western 12-06 Northern

Eastern Region 08-14 Kampala Region

Central Region 11-08 Western

Northern Region 13-15 Kampala Region

Eastern Region 03-22 Western Region

Central 21-09 Northern Region

Final

Kampala Region 7-8 Central Region

Individual Winners:

Best Defender: Namutebi KURUTHUM (Central Region)

Best Midfielder: Attwikirize Danita (Central Region)

Best Attacker: Namukisa Sharuwa (Northern Region)

Most Valuable Player: Namuddu Hellen (Western Region)