She Cranes coach Fred Mugerwa has named the final squad that will represent Uganda t the forthcoming 2023 Netball World Cup.
The tournament is due July 28 to August 6 in Cape Town South Africa.
The squad that was confirmed on Friday, consist of 15 players, including three reserves.
The She Cranes shifted base last week, moving to the Allen VR Stanley Pavilion Arena in Nakirebe, Mpigi.
Mugerwa said that the move away from Kamwokya/Lubowa and Lugogo has been a big boost to the team’s preparations.
“We are fully using the Court with all the freedom and we can do whatever we want at any time,” Mugerwa commented.
The team had earlier been trimmed to 20 before entering the residential camp.
But five players – Mercy Batamuriza (KCCA), Asinah Kabendera (Weyonje), Joyce Nakibuule (Prisons), Privas Kayeny (NIC), Shakirah Nassaka (Weyonje) – have been dropped and will miss the trip to South Africa.
The three reserves on the team are Viola Asingo, Annet Najjuka and Sarah Nakiyunga.
Mary Nuba Cholhok is the only foreign based player with Peace Proscovia (pregnancy*) and Stella Oyella (injury) not unavailable.
Nuba who recently won the England Netball Super League title with Loughborough Lighting, will be joining the team soon.
“Our focus is now looking at the first seven to see how best we can start our matches and see who will substitute who and in which position and at what time the substitution should be made,” said Mugerwa.
“And may be a bit of more coordination and combination so that the players get to know who best plays with who now that they are going to remain a bit few in camp.
“The current players are talented, and they will perform, we need to encourage them and continue training, and prepare them for that competition.”
Besides Mary Nuba and Stella Nanfuka, the rest of the She Cranes players will be making their Netball World Cup debut.
This will be the third consecutive appearance for She Cranes at the World Cup since it’s return to the tournament in 2015 after 36 years, following their debut in 1979 in Trinidad and Tobago.
Note: For the first time in Netball World Cup history, teams are taking three reserve players outside their 12-person squad.
The reserves will attend the tournament but can only be called upon as illness or injury replacements.
Once an original squad member is replaced, they cannot return later in the tournament. The team must submit reasons for the player replacement request, with written evidence, acceptable to World Netball.
Uganda’s World Cup Fixture:
July 28: Singapore 🇸🇬
July 29: New Zealand🇳🇿
July 30: Trinidad & Tobago
The She Cranes Final Squad:
Shooters:
Irene Eyaru (captain) (KCCA)
Mary Nuba (Lightning UK)
Namulumba Christine Kango (Prisons NC)
Shadia Nassanga (KCCA)
Mid court players:
Norah Lunkuse (KCCA)
Lillian Achola (Weyonje NC)
Margret Baagala (NIC and Assistant Captain)
Defenders
Hanisha Muhammad (KCCA)
Nakitto Christine (KCCA)
Stella Nanfuka (Prisons)
Kadondi Faridah.(Weyonje NC)
Shaffie Nalwanja (KCCA)
Reserves – Asingo Viola (Prisons NC), Annet Najjuka (KCCA), Sarah Nakiyunga (NIC)
I would like to be part of this team ,what can I do,I need a response on that