The dream team: Meet the young coaches who returned Prisons to netball glory

When Uganda Prisons Netball Club lifted the 2026 East Africa Netball Club Championship trophy on  Saturday,May 16  in Nairobi, Kenya, it was more than just another regional triumph.

Prisons won the 2026 title after humbling defending champions NIC 41-38 in an intense final played on Saturday, May 16, in Nairobi. The victory ended the club’s seven-year wait for another East African crown.

For the club, it marked a return to the top after seven years without an East African crown. But for head coach Nouredine Kato and his assistant Ruth Meeme, it was a historic breakthrough, their first major club title as coaches.

The youthful coaching duo, among the youngest in the Netball Uganda league, has quickly transformed Prisons into champions again.

Kato joined the club last year alongside Meeme, a former Prisons player who now serves as assistant coach for both Prisons and the national team, the She Cranes. Before switching to coaching, Kato was captain of The Rock men’s netball team, where he built his leadership credentials on court.

For Kato, winning the regional title was a dream achievement in his young coaching career.

“This is my first title at club level. I was given the opportunity and I delivered,” Kato said after guiding the side to victory.

“I thank my players for believing in me and not disappointing me. Winning my first club title means so much to my career as a coach. We worked together as a team and the results became visible.”

Throughout the tournament, the chemistry between the two coaches stood out as Prisons displayed discipline, confidence and tactical maturity on their way to the title.

Kato reserved special praise for Meeme, whom he credited for helping the team remain calm and united during difficult moments.

“Meeme is one of the best coaches this country is blessed with,” Kato said.

“She is very good with the girls and I am blessed to work alongside her. Everyone deserves a chance to work with her and see how smoothly she delivers. She knows how to handle the players, especially in moments when I do not know what to do.”

For Meeme, her experience as a former player has helped her connect easily with athletes.

“I was once a player and I know what it means to be on court,” Meeme explained.

“All you need is to put yourself in the players’ shoes first and then come up with a solution. Prison is an institution and we have a system, so it is hard for players to disrespect their coaches. It is teamwork at play.”

Entrusting a team to coaches who are the same age as the players is uncommon in Ugandan club netball, but Prisons management believed the gamble would pay off.

According to team manager Florence Amono, hiring young coaches was a deliberate decision aimed at matching the speed and evolution of the game.

“Netball is advancing and that is why I felt I should have young coaches who match the speed of the girls. I am extremely happy with the choice I made and I do not regret it,” Amono said.

The triumph marked Prisons’ fourth East African title, adding to the championships won in 2016, 2017 and 2018.