She Cranes start preparations for Africa Netball Cup (Picture by Kikulwe Gerald)

David GOMBE

Uganda’s nationwide netball staff, 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 staff of 14-players was summoned for the match due in Kenya and has already entered residential coaching on the AVRS Secondary Faculty Enviornment in Nakirebe.

Head coach Rashid Mubiru revealed that he’ll use the 2 weeks of remaining to arrange for the upcoming occasion.

The staff 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 serious 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 sharpening a couple of issues as a result of the Nationwide Netball League has additionally been ongoing, so the women are lively. Fortunately sufficient, the federation in command of the game in Uganda has secured the staff a residential camp at Nakirebe Visitor Home,” Mubiru stated.

The She Cranes will conduct two coaching classes every day, with morning and night classes forming the core of their preparations. Mubiru can be inspired by the suitability of their coaching venue, which he says intently resembles the ability they may encounter at Kasarani.

“We’re going to be coaching within the morning and night. Thankfully, the indoor courtroom we’re utilizing has options which are similar to these on the Kasarani Enviornment,” he added.

No Nuba Cholhok

The She Cranes will probably be with out skilled objective shooter Mary Nuba Cholhok, who was not included within the squad. Mubiru defined that the NSW Swifts participant is at the moment 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 gained the championship thrice, lifting the trophy in Botswana in 2014, Uganda in 2017 and Zambia in 2018. They’ll now be searching for 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.