NIC show championship intent with Weyonje triumph

NIC finished the first round of the Uganda Netball Super League with a statement of intent, fighting back from a half-time deficit to beat Makindye Weyonje 46–36 at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.

The victory was not only a welcome finish to the opening half of the season but also an important reminder that NIC remain serious contenders for the championship.

They had to work for it, though. Weyonje started brightly and gave NIC a difficult afternoon before the latter found their rhythm after the break to take control and eventually secure the 10-goal victory.

The result keeps NIC within touching distance of joint leaders KCCA and Prisons, who are tied on 24 points after 13 matches. NIC and Uganda Christian University (UCU) follow on 22 points each, setting up an intriguing second round.

NIC occupy third place with a superior goal difference of +167, well ahead of UCU’s +70. The gap at the top remains small enough to leave the championship race wide open.

Weyonje, meanwhile, finished the first round fifth with 18 points, four behind the leading quartet.

Their performance against NIC suggested they were capable of causing an upset, particularly during the opening half when they matched their opponents in intensity and looked more settled in possession.

Neither side managed to gain an early advantage in a scrappy opening quarter. Turnovers, missed conversions and misplaced passes affected both teams, with the scores tied at 9–9 at the end of the period.

Weyonje grew into the contest in the second quarter and created several opportunities to move clear. However, their inability to make the most of those chances kept NIC within reach.

Despite winning more than five turnovers, they converted only one into a scoring opportunity. Their efficiency from centre passes nevertheless helped them edge ahead, and they looked set to take a bigger advantage into the break.

GD Namuli’s late interception offered NIC a chance to draw level, but the opportunity came too late as Weyonje held on to a narrow 21–20 lead at half-time.

NIC came out a different side after the break.

They raised their intensity, moved the ball with greater purpose and began finding their shooters more consistently. After exchanging goals with Weyonje, NIC suddenly found another gear, scoring six unanswered goals to turn a one-goal deficit into a 27–22 advantage.

The changes made on the court proved important. Nanyonga’s switch to Wing Attack (WA) and Isoto’s introduction at Goal Attack (GA) gave NIC more fluidity in attack, helping them move the ball with greater confidence and precision.

Their defensive unit also came alive, putting Weyonje under pressure and forcing errors that allowed NIC to dictate the pace of the game.

Weyonje were not ready to surrender, however. Zam’s footwork infringement and a loose ball from Nanyonga Rachael presented opportunities to close the gap.

But Aya and Namuli stood firm defensively, winning possession back and ensuring NIC maintained their advantage. They entered the final quarter leading 33–29.

The final period began with both teams struggling to settle in possession and make clean transitions between defence and attack. NIC, however, remained composed and continued to frustrate their opponents.

Aya’s steals and Namuli’s important rebounds proved particularly valuable. Namuli had replaced Mutesi earlier in the game and played her part in helping NIC maintain control as they gradually stretched their lead.

By the final whistle, NIC had completed a 46–36 victory to close the first round with two valuable points and keep their championship hopes alive.

KCCA and Prisons set the pace

While NIC and UCU remain within striking distance, KCCA and Prisons have given themselves an early advantage at the top of the standings.

Both sides have collected 24 points from 13 matches, two ahead of their closest challengers.

Weyonje are fifth on 18 points, followed by Police on 15 and Buddo on 14. UPDF occupy eighth position with 12 points, while Canaan NC are ninth on 11.

The second round will also carry enormous importance for teams battling to avoid relegation.

Posta, UGX Luweero and Dynamite occupy the bottom three positions, although Busia GL are also in danger of being dragged further into the fight for survival.

Dynamite have managed just four points from 13 matches, while Posta are 13th with three points. UGX Luweero remain bottom with only two points after winning just once in their opening 13 outings.

Busia GL are 12th on four points, level with Dynamite but separated by goal difference.

Kajjansi sit 10th with seven points, while the teams immediately above them will also be looking over their shoulders as the pressure builds.

With the first round completed, attention now turns to the second phase, where the leading sides will pursue the championship and those at the bottom fight to preserve their top-flight status.

The league organising committee and stakeholders are expected to meet on Monday to deliberate on the dates and fixtures for the second round.

Prisons strengthened their position at the summit with a 52–32 victory over Luwero.

The scheduled match between UPDF and Canaan NC was not played after Canaan failed to turn up.

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