She Cranes to Participate in Vitality Netball Nations Cup, Wales Test Series

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Uganda Netball Normalization Committee has confirmed that Uganda National Netball Team She Cranes will participate in a Test Series with Wales in January in Cardiff.

This was confirmed on Thursday by the Committee Chairperson Moses Mwase in a press statement. In addition to the Wales Test Series, Mwase disclosed that the She Cranes will also be part of the prestigious Vitality Netball Nations Cup.

The tournament, featuring powerhouse teams such as Australia, New Zealand, England, and Uganda, will held on January 20-21, at Wembley, London, and later on January 27-28, at the First Direct Arena in Leeds.

“The Normalization Committee confirmed Uganda’s participation in a Test Series with Wales on 10, 12 and 13 January 2024 in Cardiff. This will be followed by the Vitality Netball Nations Cup involving Australia, New Zealand, England, and Uganda on the 4 (four) days of 20-21 January 2024 at Wembley, London, and 27-28 January 2024 at the First Direct Arena in Leeds.”

“The Normalization Committee is coordinating efforts for the commencement of a Training Camp for the Netball She-Cranes from which a final squad of 12 (twelve) players will be announced. Details of the Training Camp and the She-Cranes Team Travel schedule are being finalized and will be available in due course.” read another part of the statement .

Last month, URN reported that the normalization committee had opted out of the Africa Netball Championship saying that it was difficult for the Ugandan team to mobilize on very short notice amidst recent management turmoil adding that the team cannot be able to participate under the circumstances.

The decision came against the backdrop of a crisis that saw the National Council of Sports revoke the certificate of recognition for the Uganda Netball Federation (UNF), which was responsible for overseeing the national netball team.

The management turmoil emerged from a clash between Uganda Netball Federation President Sarah Babirye Kityo and National Council of Sports General Secretary Patrick Ogwel. Kityo accused Ogwel of compelling the Federation to account for funds that were never provided, while Ogwel accused Kityo of misappropriating government funds.

Over time, the She Cranes have delivered outstanding performances both on the continent and the global stage. During the recent Netball World Cup, the She Cranes achieved a fifth-place finish overall and were recognized as the best African team.

According to Mwase, the committee is working under the clock to fix netball day-to-day activities that were affected by the dissolution of the Netball Federation including Taking steps to ensure the resumption of the Netball League and putting in place a 2024 Calendar for UNF, drafting a new Constitution and obtaining approval of the new UNF Constitution, preparing Election Rules to support election the new Executive among others.

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URN