Uganda men’s netball team, known as ‘The Rock’  kicked off their 2025 Africa Netball Cup campaign with a thrilling 40-39 victory over Botswana in their Group A opener.

In a match played on Tuesday, December 9th, 2025, at Malawi’s Griffin Sayenda Sports Complex, the Rock showed a fighting spirit holding their nerve to secure a narrow but memorable win.

From the outset, Uganda took an early lead, but Botswana fought back relentlessly, keeping the score line tight throughout the game. By the final quarter, the tension was palpable as both teams vied for control.

The Rock’s defense was crucial in the dying moments, denying Botswana a chance to equalize and escaping with a one-goal margin that perfectly captured the drama of continental netball at its best.

This gripping victory pushes Uganda to the top of Group A on goal difference after round one, with South Africa and Zimbabwe set to play later. The tournament advances to the semifinals on December 12, promising more high-stakes contests.

The 2025 Africa Netball Cup is historic, marking the first-time men’s and women’s teams compete side by side for continental glory.

The tournament features nine nations: Malawi (hosts), South Africa, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Botswana, Kenya, and Eswatini. This event signals growth and increased recognition, with ambitions for men’s netball to gain Olympic inclusion by 2032.

Uganda’s pride extends beyond “The Rock”, as the women’s team, the She Cranes, also started strong with a tight 46-45 win over Kenya’s Divas in another edge-of-the-seat match. Both teams showcase Uganda’s rising stature in African netball.