The incumbent head coach for the Uganda National Netball team, Fred Mugerwa has named his final team to represent the country at the finals of the 2023 Vitality World Cup to be held in Cape Town, South Africa, from July 28th to August 6th. The star dust of Peace Proscovia, who captained the class of 2019 to a 7th place finish will be sorely missed. Her teammates Stella Oyella, Joan Nampungu and Jessica Achan will not feature either due to injuries.
Worry not though Cranes faithful, for another magician in Mary Nuba Cholhok will be part a group of famished fresh faces leaping to the promised land of gold. The Loughbourgh Lightning predator scored 908 goals from 1020 shots in this year’s UK super league. And she is envisaging the challenge ahead, posting on Twitter, that she is lucky to be part of the squad going to the World Cup and excited to unite with the girls.
The group will be led by KCCA skipper Irene Eyuru who will be deputised by National Insurance Corporation centre court player, Margret Baagala who is gunning her first World Cup outing.
Meanwhile Uganda super league topscorer, Christine Namulumba will be relishing the opportunity and indeed a cog in the team after leading the Uganda Prisons to the league title. New Kid on the block Nakitto Christine is also geared up for a robust showing after making the definitive lot. The three fringe players backing up the ultimate twelve are Viola Nassingo, Annet Najjingo and Sarah Nakiyunga.
The Cranes will be vying for a place in the knockout phase with group D counterparts New Zealand, Singapore and Trinidad and Tobago. The stage is set for the biggest Netball showpiece.
The Squad
Defenders: Muhammad Hanisha (KCCA), Christine Nakitto (KCCA), Stella Nanfuka (Prisons), Faridah Kadondi (Weyonje), Shaffie Nalwanja (KCCA), Viola Asingo (Reserve, Prisons).
Centre Courters: Margret Baagala (Assistant Captain, NIC), Norah Lunkuse (KCCA), Lillian Achola (Weyonje), Sarah Nakiyunga (Reserve, NIC), Annet Najjuka (Reserve, KCCA).
Shooters: Irene Eyaru (Captain, KCCA), Mary Nuba Cholhok (Loughbourgh Lightning), Christine Namulumba (Prisons) and Shadia Nassanga (KCCA).
ARTICLE BY:. RAPHEAL LUBANGAKENE