She Cranes begin preparations for Africa Netball Cup (Photo by Kikulwe Gerald)
David GOMBE
Uganda’s national netball team, the She Cranes, have commenced residential training as they step up preparations for the 2026 Africa Netball Cup, scheduled to take place from September 19 to 26 at the Kasarani Indoor Arena in Nairobi, Kenya.
On Wednesday, a team of 14-players was summoned for the tournament due in Kenya and has already entered residential training at the AVRS Secondary School Arena in Nakirebe.
Head coach Rashid Mubiru revealed that he will use the two weeks of remaining to prepare for the upcoming event.
The team summoned is majorly occupied by the players who helped Uganda finish sixth at the 2026 Commonwealth games held at OVO Hydro in Glasgow, Scotland, last month.
Fitness Not a Concern – Mubiru
Mubiru believes the players’ fitness levels are not a major concern, given their recent competitive involvement in the National Netball League and the Commonwealth Games.
“The fitness levels are not so scary. It is just about polishing a few things because the National Netball League has also been ongoing, so the girls are active. Luckily enough, the federation in charge of the sport in Uganda has secured the team a residential camp at Nakirebe Guest House,” Mubiru said.
The She Cranes will conduct two training sessions each day, with morning and evening sessions forming the core of their preparations. Mubiru is also encouraged by the suitability of their training venue, which he says closely resembles the facility they will encounter at Kasarani.
“We are going to be training in the morning and evening. Fortunately, the indoor court we are using has features that are very similar to those at the Kasarani Arena,” he added.
No Nuba Cholhok
The She Cranes will be without experienced goal shooter Mary Nuba Cholhok, who was not included in the squad. Mubiru explained that the NSW Swifts player is currently facing a demanding schedule as she prepares for the 2027 Suncorp Super Netball season.
Uganda finished as runners-up at the previous edition of the Africa Netball Cup in Zimbabwe and will travel to Nairobi with ambitions of reclaiming the continental crown.
The She Cranes have won the championship three times, lifting the trophy in Botswana in 2014, Uganda in 2017 and Zambia in 2018. They will now be seeking a fourth title as they aim to strengthen their position among Africa’s leading 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.
