Christine Namulumba Kango

Zanzibar City, May 15, 2025 – The Uganda Prisons Netball Club continued their dominance at the top of Group B in the East African Netball Club Championship 2025, delivering a commanding 73-35 victory over Zanzibar’s Mafunzo on Thursday afternoon at the New Amaan Stadium. Powered by a standout performance from Captain Christine Kango Namulumba and mid-court maestro Joyce Nakibuule, the Prisons Queens stretched their unbeaten run to three wins. Mafunzo, buoyed by passionate home support, started strongly, matching Prisons goal-for-goal in the first eight minutes. However, the tide turned in the 10th minute as Prisons’ relentless pressure and tactical execution created a wide margin. The first quarter ended 21-10 in favor of the Ugandans, with their defense suffocating Mafunzo’s attackers. By the second quarter, Prisons had surged to a 42-20 lead, highlighting fluid mid-court play and clinical finishing. The third quarter saw Prisons tighten their grip, closing at 60-27. In the final quarter, they outscored Mafunzo 13-8 to seal a 73-35 triumph. Head Coach Elnouredine Kato Hassan praised the team’s adaptability: “Mafunzo came out strong, but our players stayed composed and executed our game plan perfectly, especially in the second half.” Christine Kango Namulumba stole the show, scoring an impressive 51 goals to bring her tournament tally to 153 across three games. Joyce Nakibuule, alongside mid-court partners Joan Reykoboth and substitute Nashim Khadaala, delivered pinpoint feeds to keep Kango firing. The starting lineup featured Stella Nanfuka (GK), Sharon Pita (GD), Lillian Ajio (WD), Joan Reykoboth (C), Joyce Nakibuule (WA), Dorothy Tabia (GA), and Kango (GS). Substitutes Nashim Khadaala, Sylvia Nanyonga, Hadijah Nakabuye, Tausi Mumena, and Malisera Akello injected energy, with the teenage debutants continuing to impress. – at Zanzibar West, Tanzania

The Uganda Prisons Netball Club cemented their place in the semi-finals of the East African Netball Club Championship 2025 with a thunderous 73-43 triumph over Zanzibar’s KVZ on Friday afternoon at a fully packed Amaan Indoor Stadium. The Prisons Queens extended their unbeaten Group B run to four wins, joining fellow Ugandan powerhouses NIC and KCCA in the knockout stage. The match, which threw off at 2:30 PM EAT, saw Prisons don their striking maroon kit with digital yellow and blue stripes, while KVZ wore their green attire. A big-capacity crowd filled the Indoor Stadium, creating an electric atmosphere as Zanzibari fans rallied behind their team. The opening minutes were fiercely contested, with both sides trading goals. In the 12th minute, KVZ capitalized on a defensive error, their goal shooter securing a two-goal lead. The home side won the first quarter 14-13, sending the crowd into a frenzy with chants from the home fans, who booed the visitors. However, Prisons stayed focused, playing with passion and purpose. Prisons regrouped in the second quarter, seizing control with heightened intensity. Despite fierce resistance from KVZ’s evergreen attackers, the Ugandan defense, anchored by Stella Nanfuka, Sharon Pita, and Lillian Ajio, remained unyielding. Christine Kango Namulumba and Dorothy Tabia led the attack with precision, helping Prisons close the quarter at 30-22, an eight-goal advantage. The third quarter saw Prisons extend their lead, with Sylvia Nanyonga replacing Sharon Pita at wing defense. Nanyonga’s introduction proved pivotal, as she disrupted KVZ’s attacking supply line, neutralizing their potent forwards. Joyce Nakibuule and Joan Reykoboth dominated mid-court with versatile runs and pinpoint throws, feeding Kango and Tabia seamlessly. A defining moment came in the 42nd minute when goalkeeper Stella Nanfuka made a world-class save, intercepting a long pass aimed at an unmarked KVZ goal shooter. The crowd rose in a standing ovation, acknowledging her brilliance. Prisons won the quarter 49-33, firmly in control. In the final quarter, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. With the scoreline widening, many KVZ fans left the stadium, while others began cheering Prisons, won over by their creative and dominant play. Substitutes Nashim Khadaala, Tausi Mumena, and Malisera Akello entered the fray, adding to the hosts’ woes. Prisons sealed the 73-43 victory with relentless attacking and airtight defense, booking their semi-final spot. Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown: - First Quarter: KVZ 14, Prisons 13 - Second Quarter: Prisons 30, KVZ 22 - Third Quarter: Prisons 49, KVZ 33 - Final Quarter: Prisons 73, KVZ 43 With a semi-final spot secured, Prisons face APR on Sunday, May 18, at 1:30 PM EAT to complete their Group B campaign. “This win shows our hunger and focus,” said Captain Kango. “We’re ready for the knockout stage and beyond.”