Defying the Odds: How Life Sport and Posta Netball Clubs fought their way back

When the Netball Uganda Super League went on a two-year hiatus, many feared the sport's heartbeat – particularly its individually owned clubs – might fade into silence.

Without sponsors, competitive play, or financial resources, these community teams seemed destined to disappear. Yet against all odds, clubs like Life Sport and Posta Netball Club have staged remarkable comebacks, their stories weaving together grit, loyalty, and an unshakable belief in the game.

At Life Sport, manager Fredrick Mutengesa became the embodiment of resilience. "Determination is what kept us going," he shares, his tired eyes still glowing with pride. "Even without a league, money, or players, some people still believed in us." The numbers tell a stark story – from 18 players in 2023 to just three faithful members remaining after the hiatus. "The others left because I had nothing to offer," Mutengesa admits frankly. "No allowances, no transport – just passion. And I understood their need to survive."

Yet from this near-collapse, Mutengesa painstakingly rebuilt. Scouting new talent, offering opportunities to unknown players, he's restored Life Sport to 14 players – nine of them fresh signings.

"We train on borrowed grounds with shared kits," he says. "What we lack in resources, we make up for in heart." The club's revival received crucial support from reduced league fees, now capped at UGX 1 million instead of the previous UGX 2.5-5 million – a lifeline for grassroots clubs.

Posta Netball Club's resurrection followed a different but equally inspiring path. Manager Rosette Kaala recalls the dark days: "The break scattered our players – from 15, only four stayed. I wasn't sure we'd ever return." But where doubt grew, community support blossomed. Former players, friends, and volunteers rallied, helping Posta recruit 10 new players. "It truly took a village," Kaala reflects. "This club wouldn't exist without every person who gave time, money, or just encouragement."

For Kaala, Posta represents more than competition – it's a sanctuary. "We're a home, a safe space where young girls can dream," she explains. This philosophy captures why these clubs matter beyond the scoreboard. While better-funded teams grab headlines, it's these community-rooted clubs that preserve netball's soul in Uganda.

Their return isn't just about filling league slots – it's a testament to what happens when passion outlasts hardship. Life Sport and Posta didn't merely survive the hiatus; they transformed through it, emerging tougher and more determined. Their stories celebrate the power of perseverance, the strength found in community, and the kind of love for sport that no silence can extinguish. In Uganda's netball courts, the truest victories aren't just measured in goals scored, but in obstacles overcome.