The She Cranes, Uganda’s national netball team, are set for a formidable opening match against England tonight in the Vitality Netball Cup at the Ovo Arena in Wembley, England. The team carries a boost of confidence after securing a 2-1 victory against Welsh Feathers in the Netball Test series, setting a positive tone for the upcoming matches.
Ranked seventh in the World Netball Rankings, the She Cranes face a challenging lineup in the Vitality Cup, competing against strong teams such as England, New Zealand, and Australia. England, the immediate opponent, holds the 3rd position with 8766 points, closely trailing Australia at the top with 8,874 points, while New Zealand ranks second with 9,332.
Despite acknowledging the tough competition, She Cranes players remain focused and determined to overcome the challenges. Farida Kadondi, a She Cranes player, recognizes the difficulty, stating, “It will be really challenging because these other teams have more experienced players than Wales, but we are going to go tough better than we have been going.”
The team received a boost with the return of She Cranes legend Peace Proscovia, now serving as an assistant coach, and Goal Shooter Hanisha Muhammed—both absent during the Test series in Wales. Peace expressed confidence in the team’s determination and focus, emphasizing their readiness to win. Head Coach Fred Mugerwa, acknowledging the tough competition, believes the team is well-prepared and focuses on helping players free themselves from tight marking by opponents.
Following the England match, the She Cranes will face New Zealand tomorrow and Australia on January 27, 2024. These tournaments provide an opportunity for the She Cranes to showcase their talent after missing the Africa Netball Championship due to administrative turmoil, resulting in the suspension of the Uganda Netball Federation Executive Board.
