When the Ministry of Sports launched the Isonga Programme at Groupe Scolaire St Aloys Rwamagana a fortnight ago, students were all around in different playgrounds of the school complex, each showing what they can do in their respective disciplines.

As Weekend Sport’s Eddie Nsabimana toured the netball playground, one young woman, Sandrine Iradukunda stood out for him, particularly because of her skill and creative play.

Iradukunda is not only a talented netballer, she is also one of the most popular athletes of the school.

"She is on another level because APR comes to seek her services to help them, especially during the regional military games,” said one student, a journalist for the school.

Born in Rwamagana District, in Eastern Province, the 18-year-old is the captain of the school’s netball team.

Speaking to this publication, Iradukunda revealed that, at a young age, she wanted to play basketball but found netball more fascinating.

"I fell in love with netball the moment I saw people playing it. The more I engaged in the sport, the more passionate I became about it,” she said.

Rwamagana, especially in the district’s urban area, has become a netball hub of the country as the game continues to expand from primary to secondary schools, and particularly at St Aloys Rwamagana where Iradukunda studies.

The Catholic church-backed school has established itself as one of the best netball teams on domestic scene since the sport was introduced there in 2007 by Father Camille Rudasingwa, the school Principal.

St Aloys Rwamagana is now top of the national schools’ championships and has represented the country in the Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Championship (FEASSSA) games on several occasions.

Skipper Iradukunda led the team at the 2019 FEASSSA games in Arusha, Tanzania, and was recruited by APR netball team on a short-term contract to help the army side at the 2019 East African Military Games in Nairobi, Kenya.

David Michel Rukaka, is one of the top netball coaches in the country, doubles as the head coach for St Aloys Rwamagana and APR netball team, and that has helped Iradukunda to land some big opportunities.

"I always work hard in every training session and every game, I make the best of every opportunity I get. I still have a long way to go but I am also proud of the baby steps I have made so far. Playing for a top team in youth championships gives me confidence that I can reach a professional level in the future,” she added.

The future

It has become common that a big number of players put their talents in sports aside when they leave secondary school to concentrate on their university studies.

However, Iradukunda does not see academic studies putting end on her netball career. She is optimistic about excelling in both fields.

"I want to go pro and make a living out of netball.”

"Besides, I also want to contribute to the sport’s growth in the country. I will keep exploring ways to make impact in the game; whether as a mentor or coach to younger talents.”