Sarah Nkonge speaks out against unethical coaches in netball

Sarah Nkonge first rose to prominence in 2015 when she was appointed the patron of the She Cranes, Uganda’s national netball team.

Over the years, she has become a mother figure to many players, earning their trust and respect through her unwavering support and dedication.

Currently serving as the Buganda region representative on the Netball Uganda executive and leading the Bika Bya Buganda Netball Tournament, Nkonge has a deep understanding of the sport’s dynamics. However, her extensive experience has also exposed her to troubling issues within the netball fraternity, particularly the unethical behavior of some coaches.

One of the most alarming concerns Nkonge has raised is the sexual misconduct by certain male coaches. She revealed that several young female players have been forced to quit the sport due to harassment, while others, unable to resist such advances, have fallen victim to exploitation.

“Some male coaches lack self-control, and this is a significant problem. As the executive, we are planning to organize an educational seminar on etiquette and ethics to root out and prevent this evil act. We are closely monitoring all our coaches, and anyone found guilty will face severe punishment,” Nkonge stated firmly.

She emphasized that netball, being a female-dominated sport, must be a safe space for young girls to develop their talents without fear of exploitation. Nkonge called on stakeholders, fellow executives, and club managers to take a strong stand against this issue and ensure that offenders are held accountable.

Beyond sexual harassment, Nkonge is also concerned about the unethical practice of coaches transferring players from one school to another solely based on their netball talent. She believes this disrupts the players’ education and hinders their overall development.

“Some coaches move players from one school to another purely for their netball abilities, without considering the impact on their education. This makes it difficult for the players to concentrate in school and, in the long run, affects their future,” she explained.

Despite these challenges, Nkonge remains hopeful. She believes that with proper guidance from the executive, coaches can be educated on the importance of balancing sports and academics. She advocates for structured policies and mentorship programs to curb unethical practices and promote a more holistic approach to player development.

Nkonge’s commitment to creating a safer and more ethical environment for young netball players underscores her dedication to the sport and its future in Uganda.