The Uganda Netball Team, She Cranes, has completed preparations for the upcoming international test series against the Wales Netball Team, known as the Welsh Feathers. Under the guidance of veteran coach Fred Mugerwa and assistant Nurudine Kato, the team underwent nearly four weeks of rigorous training for the Test series scheduled later this month.
The first match of the series is slated for Wednesday, January 10th, 2024, at 7 pm, followed by the second test match on Friday, January 12th, 2024, at 7 pm. The third and final test match will take place on Saturday, January 13th, 2024, at 4 pm. All matches will be held at the House of Sport.
With only two positions separating the Welsh Feathers (9th) and the She Cranes (7th) in the World Netball Rankings, the upcoming series promises intense competition and a showdown between the two teams. The last encounter between Wales and Uganda occurred during the Netball World Cup in South Africa, resulting in a 73-56 victory for the She Cranes.
Coach Fred Mugerwa expressed confidence in the team’s readiness for the encounter, stating, “The team is good and ready. Today, we should be doing our last training because the girls have to rest before traveling.”
Following the test series, the She Cranes will participate in the Vitality Netball Nations Cup, featuring powerhouse teams such as Australia, New Zealand, England, and Uganda. The tournament kicks off on January 20th, 2023, with She Cranes facing England in their first game, followed by matches against New Zealand and Australia on subsequent dates.
Coach Mugerwa highlighted their mission in the Vitality Netball Nations Cup, stating that upsetting some of the powerhouses would significantly impact the She Cranes’ rankings. Currently ranked 7th globally, the team will face formidable opponents, with Australia leading the world rankings, followed by New Zealand and England.
These tournaments come as a consolation for the She Cranes, who missed the Africa Netball Championship due to administrative turmoil resulting in the suspension of the Uganda Netball Federation Executive Board.
