Ugandans are celebrating the remarkable performance of The She Cranes at the recently concluded Netball World Cup in South Africa. The team’s impressive fifth-place finish marks a historic milestone in the prestigious international tournament’s history.
Amidst the shower of congratulatory accolades directed towards the players, it’s vital not to overlook the instrumental role played by Head Coach Fred Mugerwa in engineering the She Cranes’ resounding success.
Mugerwa’s journey to coaching prowess was paved with excellence as an athlete in handball, hockey, and basketball during his formative years. He clinched an impressive four handball league titles and one basketball league title during his playing days.
Transitioning to a handball coach, Mugerwa’s expertise shone through as he guided notable teams like Coffee, Uganda Railways, Police, Makerere University, Crescent High, and Bukoyo SS, in addition to his contributions to the national women’s team. His leadership yielded eight regional titles and an impressive nine handball league titles. His crowning achievement was leading Uganda Railways women to the 1995 Commonwealth Club title.
In 2011, he achieved gold at the All-Africa Games as he coached the national handball women’s team.
Mugerwa’s trajectory took an unexpected turn as he ventured into the realm of netball. He made his mark by coaching Uganda Railways and Police, later extending his expertise to various school teams including Old Kampala, St Peter’s Nsambya SS, Crescent High, Mityana Central College, Kyebambe Girls, Kaboyo SS, and St Mary’s SS Kitende, among others.
His momentous appointment as The She Cranes’ Head Coach in 2013 was followed by immediate success, guiding the team to victory in the 2013 Five Nations Cup.
Two years down the line, he propelled the She Cranes to their debut appearance at the 2015 World Cup in Sydney, Australia. The team’s commendable eighth-place finish was an early testament to Mugerwa’s strategic brilliance.
Despite a surprising dismissal in July 2015, Mugerwa’s tenacity led him back to the helm in 2021 for a second stint as head coach. This decision proved to be pivotal.
At the age of 67, Mugerwa’s coaching sharpness proved pivotal in securing Uganda’s third World Cup qualification. This latest edition, climaxed in South Africa over the weekend, showcased Mugerwa’s masterful guidance, resulting in historic victories against formidable opponents like Malawi and South Africa. The She Cranes’ fifth-place finish stands as their best-ever at the World Cup.
The team’s remarkable performance has pushed them to a new pinnacle, securing an impressive fifth-world ranking and solidifying their position as Africa’s number-one netball team. Amidst the celebrations and recognition, the remarkable contribution of Coach Fred Mugerwa should not be overlooked.