CAPE TOWN: Uganda registered the first win for Africans as the Netball World Cup 2023 began at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on Friday. The She Cranes picked a convincing 79-37 win over Singapore in their opening Group D game played in the afternoon.
The She Cranes were making a fourth Netball World Cup appearance while Singapore registered their 11th but the first both sides meeting in a World Cup duel.
Uganda dictated terms from the start – taking a 42-18 lead by halftime before finishing off at 79-37 in the last quarter.
The resounding win apart, Coach Fred Mugerwa said more was expected from the playing staff, many of whom are making their debut at this stage. Mary Nuba and Stella Nanfuka are the only players – remaining from the side that represented the country at the 2019 World Cup in Liverpool.
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“After the first quarter, I was expecting the goals to go beyond 80, which we didn’t do because of some other errors. I think we are going to rectify for the next game and do better than that,” said Mugerwa.
Team Captain Irene Eyaru said each game would be taken as a final: “It was a hard game; but for us but our target is to improve on our rankings. So every game as a final because each game that we win would push us forward.”
Uganda’s sensational centre player, Margaret Baagala emerged as the match’s Most Valuable Player.
Uganda plays defending champions – New Zealand on Saturday in this competition that runs from July 28 to August 6.
Results
Uganda 79-37 Singapore
New Zealand 76-27 Trinidad & Tobago
Tonga 56-51 Fiji
Australia 86-30 Zimbabwe
