Netball Super League | The First Interview: Stella Oyella excited to start up with Sirens

There’s only one word that can sum up Stella Oyella’s move to Strathclyde Sirens: excitement.

Equally comfortable at wing attack and in the shooting circle, Oyella certainly doesn’t lack experience either domestically or internationally, competing at two World Cups and two Commonwealth Games for Uganda and playing for National Insurance Corporation (NIC) in the East Africa Netball Club Championships.

Having captained the She Cranes in place of the injured Proscovia Peace at the Commonwealth Games and fresh off a sparkling season that saw her star as the league’s top scorer in NIC’s successful defence of their title, the 32-year-old is in career-best form.

Now, she embraces a new challenge, heading to Glasgow as she looks to aid the Sirens’ quest to rise up the Vitality Netball Superleague table.

“What attracted me to Sirens? They operate well, they are passionate about what they want,” said Oyella.

Looking back on last season 🤯
Sirens tribe you made it one to remember 🖤
We can’t wait to do it all again 🔜 #collectivepowe #sirenstribe #netball #vnsl2022 @NetballSL @SkyNetball pic.twitter.com/NijG9WaNEc

— Strathclyde Sirens (@SirensNetball) July 25, 2022

“I’m super excited to work with Sirens because they are so good! Their management have been really encouraging and have been looking after me, and been interested in me.

“Another thing is that they love what they are doing, so what attracted me to them is that they have that cooperative teamwork. That’s why I was interested in them.

“I’m super excited to be in the Superleague. I’m so determined to work hand in hand with my teammates, to work hard with them, to move ahead and to help them into a good position in the league.

“That’s why I’ve been excited – they’ve made my dream come true. That’s why I am so in love!”

It is fair to say that she has received a more than warm welcome from the club, who will be hoping to use all of her experience and skill to their advantage this coming season.

Strathclyde Sirens finished eighth last season, with seven wins from their 20 games as returning defender Towera Vinkhumbo finished second in the league for deflections

The First Interview: Nicholl to go again for Sirens

This is a significant move for Oyella, who will be settling in Glasgow alongside her husband and young son and has limited experience of playing netball at a professional level, previously working as an office assistant at NIC Holdings, the company that owned her former club.

Yet, having received a huge level of support from the Sirens since deciding to join, the 32-year-old is more excited than ever to enter the VNSL – and play against her international teammates Surrey Storm’s Peace and Loughborough Lightning’s Mary Cholhok.

PLAYER REVEAL 🙌

1️⃣1️⃣6️⃣ TURNOVERS
6️⃣4️⃣ INTERCEPTS

The LEGEND returns to Sirens for 23 season @ToweraVinkhumbo
“I am so excited to play for sirens for 2023 season. I can’t wait to meet everyone and build together as a new squad.”#CollectivePower #VSNL2023 pic.twitter.com/OHOU76iZgo

— Strathclyde Sirens (@SirensNetball) October 3, 2022

She added: “The love they [Sirens] have shown me, the preparation they have done, the determination, has really encouraged me. They have belief in me that I can improve their game, that’s why they have chosen me.

“It’ll be a little bit of a challenge to me and my family but I know where I’m going, I’ll be well looked after, I’ll be well-equipped by my team.

“I’m just super excited to work with them on court and off court. I’m so delighted that I’ve signed with them!

“It will be very exciting to see another Ugandan playing in the Superleague. It has been a long wait to see another player from Uganda joining.

“It will hopefully mean more determination for young players to come in as professional players.”