She Cranes receive a heroes welcome

By James Bakama and David Namunyala

IT was all celebration as the national netball team returned home on Tuesday.

Family members and netball supporters thronged Entebbe Airport to receive the team that touched down at 1.30pm.

There was jubilation as the team emerged from the arrivals. Wing attacker Ruth Meeme was overwhelmed by the reception.

“I didn’t expect such a reception. I only thought we would be received by only our club officials. This is humbling,” she excitedly said.

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The contingent of 12 players and 11 officials had the Uganda Cranes bus and two mini buses for their trip to Kampala.

Clad in black trousers and white t-shirts bearing the figure 8- Uganda’s world ranking, the team was a center of attraction.

Led by a speeding police lead car, the singing team, which chose to travel in the national soccer team’s bus, was mistaken for the men’s team.

“Which team have the Cranes beaten,” many people asked along the Entebbe-Kampala highway.

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On their experience in Sydney, the team called for a more scientific approach to the game.

“It is time we adopted a more structured format of play. The times when you got to court and just played are history,” stated veteran goalkeeper Betty Namukasa.

Another area coach Rashid Mubiru called for more gym work.

“The game at World Cup level is very physical. It is also time we looked for taller players.”

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