KAMPALA. Coach Rashid Mubiru believes The Mighty Cranes, the national university netball team, has the necessary experience to compete decently at the second World University Netball Championship due July 12 in Florida, USA.
Of the 12 students training for the event, at Nakivubo Stadium, only Flavia Nakanwagi played at the first edition in South Africa in 2012. But eight others have since gained experience in several international events. “We aren’t starting from scratch because over the years these ladies have participated in big international events and gained experience,” said Mubiru, who led the university side to a fifth-place finish in South Africa.
“At least we have tested several big teams and we now know their playing styles; we also have a clue on international umpiring demands.”
To note, Captain Ruth Meme (Nkumba) was a revelation of the 2015 Netball World Cup where Uganda finished eighth and Joan Ameo (UCU Mukono) played at the African Netball Championship in June 2013. Irene Eyaru (Kampala University -KU), Angela Namirembe (Nkumba), Florence Adunia (KU) and Carol Namusoke (KIU) played at the 2013 World Youth Netball Championships in Botswana while Suzan Atino (KU), was part of the World Cup qualifiers.
Alicia Wasagali (UCU), Nusurah Ssebi (Islamic University in Uganda) Irene Akello (UCU) and Sarah Nakitende (Makerere) wrap up the rota.
Coach Mubiru reckons Uganda’s Pool B opponents Jamaica, Australia, and champions England are tough, “but they are beatable, they only edged us narrowly.” In 2012, Uganda trounced Namibia 44-4 on day one, lost to Jamaica 44–39 on day two, to England 45-44 on day three and to Ireland Uganda 45-43. They whitewashed USA 72-18 and beat Namibia again 51-38 to secure fifth position.
assemugabi@ug.nationmedia.com
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