She Cranes start preparations for Africa Netball Cup (Picture by Kikulwe Gerald)
David GOMBE
Uganda’s nationwide netball crew, the She Cranes, have commenced residential coaching as they step up preparations for the 2026 Africa Netball Cup, scheduled to happen from September 19 to 26 on the Kasarani Indoor Enviornment in Nairobi, Kenya.
On Wednesday, a crew of 14-players was summoned for the event due in Kenya and has already entered residential coaching on the AVRS Secondary College Enviornment in Nakirebe.
Head coach Rashid Mubiru revealed that he’ll use the 2 weeks of remaining to organize for the upcoming occasion.
The crew summoned is majorly occupied by the gamers who helped Uganda end sixth on the 2026 Commonwealth video games held at OVO Hydro in Glasgow, Scotland, final month.
Health Not a Concern – Mubiru
Mubiru believes the gamers’ health ranges usually are not a significant concern, given their current aggressive involvement within the Nationwide Netball League and the Commonwealth Video games.
“The health ranges usually are not so scary. It’s nearly sprucing just a few issues as a result of the Nationwide Netball League has additionally been ongoing, so the ladies are lively. Fortunately sufficient, the federation in control of the game in Uganda has secured the crew a residential camp at Nakirebe Visitor Home,” Mubiru stated.
The She Cranes will conduct two coaching periods every day, with morning and night periods forming the core of their preparations. Mubiru can be inspired by the suitability of their coaching venue, which he says intently resembles the power they are going to encounter at Kasarani.
“We’re going to be coaching within the morning and night. Happily, the indoor court docket we’re utilizing has options which might be similar to these on the Kasarani Enviornment,” he added.
No Nuba Cholhok
The She Cranes will probably be with out skilled purpose shooter Mary Nuba Cholhok, who was not included within the squad. Mubiru defined that the NSW Swifts participant is presently going through a demanding schedule as she prepares for the 2027 Suncorp Tremendous Netball season.
Uganda completed as runners-up on the earlier version of the Africa Netball Cup in Zimbabwe and can journey to Nairobi with ambitions of reclaiming the continental crown.
The She Cranes have received the championship 3 times, lifting the trophy in Botswana in 2014, Uganda in 2017 and Zambia in 2018. They may now be in search of a fourth title as they purpose to strengthen their place amongst Africa’s main netball nations.
Squad Summoned
Racheal Nanyonga (Captain), Shaffie Nalwanja (Assistant Captain), Gloria Ayaa, Eve Aitesi, Sheillah Nayibanda, Nashim Kadala, Margaret Baagala, Shadia Nassanga, Winnie Alice Esoto, Nasiimu Mutesi, Joan Nantumbwe, Annet Namuddu, Carol Abaro and Christine Kango Namulumba.
