Uganda’s goalkeeper and defender joins Nottingham Forest Netball club

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | She Cranes Goal Defender Faridah Kadondi, has joined England’s Netball Super League side, Nottingham Forest. The 25-year-old was unveiled on Wednesday as part of the club’s new squad.

Kadondi was formerly a player at Weyonje Netball Club, based in Makindye, Kampala. She primarily plays as a Goal Defender (GD) but is also capable as a Goalkeeper (GK).

At Nottingham Forest, Kadondi will compete with Jayda Pechova, another recent recruit, for a starting position. In addition to netball, Kadondi played basketball for the KCCA Leopards in Uganda’s National Basketball League.

“I’m stocked to be given this incredible opportunity with Forest. I’m excited to challenge myself in the new environment, be a sponge for learning & grow my game to new heights.” She said after being announced as part of Nottingham’s squad.

Kadondi was part of the She Cranes squad that finished fifth at the Netball World Cup in South Africa, achieving recognition as the best team in Africa following their performance. Following the World Cup, it was reported that several She Cranes players attracted interest from professional clubs.

In September, several She Cranes stars, including Hanisha Muhameed, had received offers from clubs in the UK, with Kadondi also among those eyed for international opportunities.

Welcome, Falidah Kadondi 🤝#NSL2025 pic.twitter.com/b09He5us4E

— Nottingham Forest Netball (@NFNetball) September 4, 2024

A month later, four She Cranes players, including Kadondi, travelled to Malaysia for professional assessments to explore positions with top clubs in the Malaysian Netball Super League. The group included Shadia Ssegujja Nassanga and Shaffie Nalwanja from KCCA Netball, who joined KL Wildcats, and Christine Namulumba and Kadondi, who were linked to the Perak Phoenix.

Kadondi’s international experience includes her participation in the 2022 Fast5 World Series, where she was named Player of the Match in Uganda’s game against Australia. She joins other Ugandan netball players competing abroad, such as Peace Proscovia, Mary Cholhok Nuba, Stellah Oyella, and Hanisha Muhammed.

Her transfer brings a sense of hope to Uganda’s netball community, which has struggled with turmoil over the past two years. Despite the She Cranes’ impressive performances on the continent and global stage, the sport’s growth has been hindered by governance challenges within the Uganda Netball Federation.

The federation’s troubles began with a clash between President Sarah Babirye Kityo and National Council of Sports General Secretary Patrick Ogwel, which led to accusations of mismanagement and financial misconduct.

Following multiple governance issues, the National Council of Sports revoked the federation’s Certificate of Recognition, barring it from organizing national representation for Uganda in international competitions.

In response, an ad-hoc normalization committee was appointed to oversee the federation’s day-to-day operations until new leadership elections could be held.

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URN