Uganda’s national netball team, the She Cranes, sparked renewed hope in their 2024 Africa Netball Cup campaign with a resounding 55-43 win over hosts Namibia on Wednesday evening at the MTC Dome in Swakopmund. After suffering a narrow 49-50 defeat to Zimbabwe in their opening match, the She Cranes displayed remarkable resilience and strategic precision to register their first win of the tournament.
The victory came at a critical time, with the She Cranes needing to bounce back from an agonizing loss to Zimbabwe. Despite the defeat in their opener, Uganda maintained a positive outlook, knowing that their fate in the tournament could be turned around with a strong performance. The win over Namibia was a testament to the team’s determination and tactical sharpness, underlining their ability to perform under pressure.
A pivotal factor in the She Cranes’ success was the return of their captain, Irene Eyaru, whose leadership and flawless performance were key to the win. Eyaru, known for her clinical finishing, was in outstanding form, scoring all 22 of her attempts, providing a solid foundation for the team’s offensive efforts. Her performance not only led Uganda to victory but also served as a reminder of her value to the squad, both as a player and a leader.
The match began with the She Cranes setting a strong pace, winning the first quarter 15-11. The early dominance was a statement of intent, as Uganda sought to regain control of their tournament. By halftime, the She Cranes had extended their lead to a comfortable nine-goal advantage, leading 32-23. The first half showed the team’s discipline in both attack and defense, setting the stage for a well-managed second half.
As the third quarter unfolded, Uganda continued to build on their solid foundation. The She Cranes’ defensive unit was resolute, and their attacking fluidity ensured that they held a commanding 44-33 lead heading into the final quarter. The 11-goal cushion was a comfortable buffer, but the team knew that they had to stay focused to close out the match successfully.
Namibia, backed by their home crowd, made a spirited push in the final quarter, but the She Cranes remained composed. Despite Namibia’s late rally, Uganda’s defense and clinical attack were enough to seal the victory with a 12-goal margin, maintaining their consistency throughout the match and ensuring a comfortable finish to the game.
Uganda’s victory was a collective effort, with contributions coming from every corner of the team. Goalkeeper Hanisha Muhammad was a standout performer, alongside defenders Faridah Kadondi and Gloria Aya, who provided a solid backline throughout the match. Their defensive efforts played a crucial role in limiting Namibia’s scoring opportunities and maintaining the team’s advantage.
In the center, Margaret Bagala played a pivotal role in dictating the tempo of the game. Bagala’s composure and tactical awareness earned her the Player of the Match accolade. Her ability to control play and distribute the ball effectively was integral to Uganda’s success, as she kept the team’s rhythm flowing throughout the match.
Other players, such as Joyce Nakibuule and the towering Mary Nuba, also played instrumental roles in the victory. Nakibuule’s versatility and Nuba’s presence in both attack and defense helped ensure that the She Cranes maintained pressure on Namibia, preventing them from gaining any momentum during critical moments of the match.
Head coach Nelson Bogere praised his team’s performance, attributing their success to meticulous preparation and mental fortitude. He acknowledged the challenge of playing against the home team, Namibia, who had the support of a raucous crowd, but he emphasized the importance of staying focused and executing the team’s plan. “Namibia, as the home team, had all the support, but we remained focused and played according to plan,” Bogere stated.
Hanisha Muhammad, reflecting on the team’s performance, highlighted the improvement in game management. She noted that, unlike in their opener, where they struggled with controlling the match, the She Cranes came into this game with a winning mentality. “We came into this game with a winning mentality. Last time, there was poor game management, but I thank the entire team for fighting hard to win,” Muhammad said, acknowledging the collective effort that led to the victory.
With the win, Uganda’s chances of advancing from Pool 2 remain strong. The team’s final group match against Eswatini is set for today at 1 pm, and Uganda will be hoping to secure another victory to guarantee their place in the semi-finals. Eswatini, who have struggled in the competition so far, having lost 47-58 to Namibia and suffered a heavy 27-78 defeat to Zimbabwe, will pose little threat if the She Cranes maintain their form.
The top two teams from Pool 2 will advance to the semi-finals, scheduled for Friday, December 13, with the final match set for Saturday, December 14. The She Cranes, three-time Africa Netball Cup champions, are determined to reclaim the title they last won in 2018. After finishing as runners-up in 2021, the team is eager to regain their dominance in African netball.
Uganda’s netball history speaks for itself, with the She Cranes being one of the most successful teams on the continent. Their commitment to excellence, resilience in adversity, and strong team ethic are all key factors that have contributed to their past success and will be crucial as they aim for another continental crown.
As the tournament progresses, the She Cranes will continue to build on their performance against Namibia, drawing confidence from their improved play and the strong individual contributions of players like Eyaru, Bagala, and Muhammad. With their sights firmly set on the semi-finals, Uganda is determined to prove once again that they are the team to beat in African netball.
In a tournament that promises fierce competition and thrilling encounters, the She Cranes are positioning themselves as formidable contenders, ready to take on any challenge in their pursuit of glory. With a win over Namibia, they have shown that they are capable of bouncing back from setbacks and remaining focused on their ultimate goal: reclaiming the Africa Netball Cup title.
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