No tournament demonstrates the power of self-belief and determination quite like the UAE Netball Cup 2025, and for the Kenya national netball team—affectionately known as The Divas—this competition has proven both a stern test and a stage for joy. With every center pass, intercept, and slick shot under pressure, the Divas have written a compelling story of growth and grit that’s capturing the imagination of netball fans across continents.
An electric start against the United States
Following two early setbacks—narrow defeats to Namibia and Singapore—Kenya’s campaign appeared to teeter on the brink. Yet as every seasoned supporter knows, true champions are shaped not by their stumbles but by their response. The Divas responded emphatically, dominating the United States in one of their most forceful displays yet. With remarkable urgency and composure, Kenya surged to a 17–3 lead after the opening quarter, the attacking partnership between Delilah Akinyi and Hellen Sinoya slicing through the American defense with practiced ease.
As the game advanced, the Divas would face further adversity. Akinyi exited early in the second quarter due to injury, a blow to Kenya’s offensive structure. Yet, Lucy Akumu slotted in seamlessly, ensuring the team’s momentum did not wane. By halftime, the scoreboard favored Kenya at 34–9, a reflection not only of offensive prowess but also the defensive pressure applied by every Kenyan player on court.
The second half followed a similar script. Despite losing Elsa Ndong to injury, the replacements—Vida Adhiambo and Mary Onyango—rose to the occasion. Kenya’s discipline and squad depth were on full display as they extended their dominance, ultimately sealing a resounding 66–25 victory. With this win, their path in the UAE Netball Tournament was revived and their confidence restored.
Turning point in Dubai against the hosts
If the USA game breathed new life into Kenya’s campaign, it was the clash against tournament hosts United Arab Emirates that carved their name into the event’s folklore. Against a seasoned and higher-ranked opponent, the Divas produced a display characterized by discipline, tactical awareness, and unbreakable spirit.
Kenya edged a tightly fought first quarter 13–12, setting the tone for a match that would test every ounce of their resolve. Coach Mugisha Ali audaciously reshuffled his players in the second quarter, shifting Akumu from shooter to goalkeeper. In came Delilah Akinyi at goal shooter, slotting into her role with laser focus. The risk paid off: Kenya opened a vital seven-point lead by halftime, entering the break at 30–23.
The third quarter was where Kenya consolidated their advantage. Aggressive defending by Teresa Othuon ensured UAE’s attackers found little room to maneuver. The rhythm was Kenya’s, the energy theirs to command. The Divas led 46–37 heading into the final quarter, as the home crowd’s fervor only seemed to sharpen their focus.
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Clinical shooting and defensive steel
Kenya’s victory owes much to the clinical finishing of Delilah Akinyi—whose 97% shooting accuracy (30 goals from 31 attempts) was nothing short of extraordinary—and the electric contributions of Dorine Akinyi, adding 25 goals with an 89% success rate. It was a game not just won on the scoreboard but in the mind, each player embracing her assignment at both ends of the court.
UAE, coached by Deb Jones, shuffled their deck, injecting Racheal Tuckey and Fiona Van Dem for greater defensive solidity. However, Kenya’s calculated aggression and ironclad marking proved too suffocating for the hosts. As Teresa Othuon summed up, “We defended so well, minimized mistakes, and marked our opponents tightly—we didn’t give them space.”
Growing confidence and the quest for bronze
The significance of this victory extends beyond simply knocking out a host nation. By securing their second consecutive win, Kenya guaranteed themselves a place in the bronze medal showdown. For a team still forging its identity on the continental and global stage, these wins provide not just confidence, but proof of the rapid evolution taking place within Kenyan netball.
Coach Mugisha Ali’s post-match reflections centered on mental strength and incremental growth: “UAE are a very good team—they beat us in Singapore—but we were ready. We’ve worked hard to improve, especially on offense. This win is special.”
Analysis: Depth, versatility, and the Kenyan spirit
The Divas’ campaign so far can be distilled into several key qualities: depth in their squad, adaptability amidst adversity, and a collective hunger to learn from every setback. This resilience was evident against the USA, as substitutes grasped their chance to shine, and again versus UAE, with daring tactical moves and unwavering belief.
- Squad cohesion—each player knowing her role and supporting teammates,
- Adaptability under pressure—game-changing substitutions and positional switches,
- Bouncing back from adversity—using early defeats as catalysts for later improvement.
What’s next for the Kenyan Divas?
With growing momentum, Kenya’s journey now leads to the bronze medal match—a fitting reward for their collective endeavor, but also one last hurdle. There’s a palpable sense of a group on the verge of something transformative: seizing big moments, standing tall under pressure, and, most importantly, believing in their own potential.
The UAE Netball Cup 2025 has already handed Kenya memories to treasure, but as every fan knows, the story isn’t over yet. For the resilient Divas, the quest for bronze is not just a match; it’s a statement of intent and a celebration of how far they’ve come.
