By Lubulwa Edrine
The Uganda National Netball team, the She cranes, has learnt its fate at 2024 Africa Netball Cup to be hosted in Swakopmund, Namibia.
With the tournament slated to begin on 9th – 14 December 2024 in Nambia competed among nine teams, She Cranes was already pitted in Pool B alongside hosts Namibia, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, and Lesotho for the upcoming Africa Netball Cup 2024.
In the official draw conducted on Friday evening at Swakopmund, Namibia, saw two groups completing the puzzle of the much anticipated big stage in the Africa Netball Cup.
Pool A features some of the continent’s top competitors, including South Africa, Malawi, defending champions Zambia, and Kenya.
The She Cranes, who last won the championship in 2018 in Lusaka, Zambia, are determined to reclaim the continental crown. With seasoned international stars like Mary Nuba Cholhok of the Queensland Firebirds (Australia) and Faridah Kadondi, who plays for Nottingham Forest (UK), Uganda’s squad is expected to be a formidable force.
After great performance at the Fast 5 Series finishing third place at the tournament, She Cranes is desperate for a good show in Namibia.
The team departed Uganda on Thursday morning aboard Ethiopian Airways and has settled in Namibia ready to take on Africa’s best teams.
The She Cranes has been prepared well starting training earlier at Hamz stadium (Nakivubo) and Lugogo Indoor Arena under coaches Nelson Bogere and Nourredine Kato. The team had a contingent of 14 players and five officials.
The men’s category of the Africa Netball Cup will feature eight teams. Defending champions South Africa are drawn in Pool A with Zambia, Kenya, and Lesotho, while Pool B includes Zimbabwe, hosts Namibia, Eswatini, and Burundi.
Africa Netball Cup Groups
WOMEN
Pool-A; South Africa, Malawi, Zambia and Kenya
Pool-B; Uganda, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Eswatin and Lesotho
MEN
Pool-A; South Africa, Zambia, Kenya and Lesotho
Pool-B; Zimbabwe, Namibia, Eswatini and Burundi
