She Cranes grapple with potential absence of another key star

Mary Nuba Cholhok could be a potential miss for the She Cranes at the Netball World Cup | Photo Credit: Courtesy

NETBALL She Cranes grapple with potential absence of another key star

Shafic Kiyaga 06:30 - 24.05.2023

Unfortunately, both Proscovia and Oyella suffered injuries, and were subsequently ruled out of the World Cup further exacerbating the team's concerns ahead of the World Cup.

With the highly anticipated Netball World Cup drawing closer, the She Cranes, find themselves grappling with significant concerns surrounding their shooters.

Coach Fred Mugerwa had initially called up several strikers, including the team's captain, Peace Proscovia from Surrey Storm and and Stella Oyella who plays at Strathclyde Sirens.

Unfortunately, both Proscovia and Oyella suffered injuries, and were subsequently ruled out of the World Cup further exacerbating the team's concerns ahead of the World Cup.

Peace and Oyella join Joan Nampungu, Jessica Achan and Sandra Nambiringe as the other players to miss the World Cup in Cape Town. 

The five all played critical roles as Uganda finished fifth at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in the United Kingdom.

And now, there are growing concerns over the potential absence of Mary Nuba Cholhok. With 64 days to the start of the tournament, the She Cranes face an uphill battle to ensure their frontline remains formidable.

In an effort to address the void left by Proscovia and Oyella, Coach Mugerwa has called upon Mercy Batamuliza, a skilled goal shooter from KCCA, to join the team camp.

Batamuliza's inclusion aims to bolster the team's attacking options and provide much-needed firepower upfront.

Additionally, Mugerwa has made the strategic decision to reconsider defender Hannisha Muhamed Nakate for shooting duties, which was her original role before he turned her into a keeper.

“The changes I have made I am trying to strengthen myself because Nakate can score and block,” he added.

Nuba's commanding presence between the posts has been pivotal to the She Cranes' success in recent years.

The She Cranes have dedicated themselves to rigorous training over the past month in preparation for the tournament.

However, their preparations have been marred by the lack of suitable accommodations, adding additional challenges to their journey towards netball glory.

Despite these setbacks, the team remains determined to overcome obstacles and deliver a standout performance on the global stage.

The She Cranes currently hold the eighth position in the world rankings. This will be the fourth time that Uganda has participated in the World Cup. 1979, 2015 and 2019. The last time, he finished seventh and is still the best.