After an eye catching performance at the 2023 Netball World Cup held in South Africa, Fred Mugerwa the She Cranes coach threatened to step down due to abuses, malice and non payment.
Speaking to the gathering at the welcome back dinner last evening at Serena hotel, Mugerwa expressed his frustration and vowed to resign.
“Today we are celebrating the achievements but had we lost, I would be the one blamed. I remember people abusing me from the very day I was appointed because I selected some people whom I thought would do the work to the expectations,” Mugerwa said.
“They further insulted player referring to them as Tukutuku. I’m proud of the good job the Tukutuku did for us. Instead of abusing the players, encourage them to play so that next time may be they can achieve our goals”. He added.
Uganda presented the youngest team at the World Cup. Only Mary Nuba and Stella Nanfuka were the only two players who were part of the She Cranes team at the 2019 World Cup in Liverpool.
“I’m accused of sexually harassing the girls I coach but no body has ever come out with the proof. I have been in Netball for over 40 years, and in Sports generally for over 50 years. I started playing when I was 17 (and now am around 68)”.
“I have never received a single cent from Uganda Netball Federation, apart from the 500,000 I got from Namibia trip, the whole two years that I have been on the National team.
“With all that insult, I feel it’s the right time for me to resign”.
Mugerwa led the She Cranes to a record fifth finish after upsetting hosts South Africa by 49-47, the best position ever for Uganda at a World Cup tournament.
Uganda finished 13 in her first appearance in Trinidad and Tobago, 8th in Australia (2015) and 7th in Liverpool in 2019.
Mugerwa was unveiled in October 2021 by President Sarah Babirye Kityo, then returning to the National team after he was controversially sacked in 2015, just after qualifying the team to then World Cup.
