KAMPALA : Uganda’s netball national team – She Cranes has safely arrived in Johannesburg enroute for Cape Town ahead of the World Cup2023 event.
South Africa’s city of Cape Town will stage the first ever Netball World Cup on the continent-running from July 28-6 August.
Uganda face Singapore on July 28 in a group D clash before tasting holders – New Zealand the following morning. The She Cranes will wind the preliminaryround against Trinidad and Tobago on July 30; and this site will keep its followers intouch with live updates.
The She Cranes’ contingent of 14 players and five officials flew out of Entebbe International Airport aboard a Uganda Airlines flight departing at 8:00am.
“We have arrived at Oliver Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg), ready to connect to Cape Town,” one of the players confirmed as she shared numerous pictures.
The team is expected to embark on the final bend of its preparations – starting with a build up game against Barbados this Sunday. UK based professional and the country’s towering sharp shooter, Mary Nuba is expected to join the team later this evening.
Sports Minister, Peter Ogwanga in the company of Nationsl Council of Sports- NCS officials officially handed the national flag to the team at a function held on Friday at the Kampala Serena Hotel. Soon after, the team walked to the nearby Imperial Royale Hotel to cut a light moment with some of its sponsors and partners as well as selected friends and fans in an organised official Dinner send-off to represent the country.
And She Cranes’ Captain, Irene Eyaru could not hide her excitement when an opportunity came her way. She praised all partners for standing out of the crowd – promising to reciprocate with good results on the courts of Cape Town.
“It’s such a pleasure; it’s great that we have people who love us, your contributions have sold us (players) internationally. On behalf of the team we assure you all that we’re going to compete,” said Eyaru.
The team’s official partners included Kansai Plascon, Uganda Airlines and Gal Sports Betting.
Uganda’s Civil Aviation Authority – CAA are also associating with the team through sponsorship selected journalists to enable them a successful coverage of the event.