By John Kusolo
The Uganda national netball team, known as the She Cranes, is set to compete in the 2023 Netball World Cup in Cape Town, South Africa. Head coach Fred Mugerwa has announced the final squad consisting of 12 players and three reserves, who will represent Uganda in this prestigious international tournament.
Leading the team as the captain is goal attacker Irene Eyaru, who will be supported by the experienced goalkeeper Stella Nanfuka and goal shooter Mary Nuba, both of whom have previous World Cup experience. The rest of the squad includes Lillian Achola, Margret Bagala, Muhameed Haniisha, Falidah Kodondi, Norah Lunkuse, and Christine Nakitto. Completing the team are Shaffie Nalwanja, Christine Namulumba, Stella Nanfuka (also a reserve player), and Shadiah Nassanga. Viola Asingo, Annet Najjuka, and Sarah Nakiyunga have been selected as the reserve players.
Uganda has been placed in Group D, alongside formidable opponents New Zealand, Singapore, and Trinidad and Tobago. The tournament will commence on July 28th and conclude on August 6th. This edition of the Netball World Cup is especially significant as it will be the first time the tournament takes place on the African continent. Uganda will join South Africa, Malawi, and Zimbabwe as the African representatives in this prestigious event.
The Vitality Netball World Cup 2023, to be held at the International Convention Centre in Cape Town, marks the sixteenth edition of the tournament. This competition is held every four years and is considered the pinnacle of international netball. The decision to hold the tournament in Africa highlights the growing prominence and popularity of netball on the continent. This year also commemorates the 60th anniversary of the Netball World Cup since its inception in 1963.
Uganda’s journey in the World Cup began with their qualification for the 2015 edition. They emerged as the top team in Africa after defeating Zimbabwe, Zambia, Swaziland, and Botswana in the African qualifiers. In the group stage of the tournament, Uganda secured impressive victories over Zambia and Fiji, with their captain Peace Proscovia leading the team’s scoring. They suffered their first loss against Wales but still progressed to the top eight.
In the subsequent stage, Uganda faced tough opponents in Malawi, New Zealand, and Jamaica in Pool E. Although they lost a closely contested match against Malawi, their performances against Jamaica and New Zealand were not as strong. The team finished in eighth place after defeats to South Africa and Wales.
Uganda successfully qualified for the 2019 Netball World Cup and will now seek to make their mark in the upcoming tournament in South Africa. With a mix of experienced players and fresh talent, the She Cranes will aim to showcase their skills, determination, and teamwork on the global stage.
As the country prepares for the Netball World Cup, the Ugandan team will undergo rigorous training and strategic preparations to compete against the world’s best netball nations. Their participation in this prestigious tournament not only reflects their dedication to the sport but also raises the profile of netball in Uganda and across Africa.
The nation eagerly anticipates the performances of the She Cranes as they take on the challenges that lie ahead in the 2023 Netball World Cup. The team’s journey will not only inspire young netball enthusiasts in Uganda but also contribute to the growth and development of the sport in the country and the wider African continent.