Youth World Netball Cup: Uganda take on Botswana

Youth World Netball Cup in Gaborone

Results,

Uganda 81 Malaysia 22

Botswana 50 Cook Island 41

Wales 48 Fiji 35

Northern Ireland 56 Sri Lanka 44

South Africa 56 Zimbabwe 42

New Zealand 85 Samoa 33

Today;

3pm,

Botswana v Uganda

The U-21 national netball team is likely to face stiff competition from hosts Botswana as action rolls off Monday at the University of Botswana indoor arena in Gaborone.

The Ugandan side, She Pearls captained by NIC netball club's youngest recruit Joan Nampungu, kick started their campaign to the Netball World Youth Cup title with victory when they thumped Malaysia 81-22 late on Sunday.

The She Pearls dominated the lead right from the start as goal shooter (GS) Irene Eyaru and goal attacker (GA) Sharifa Nalunkuma jointly netted all the goals as Uganda led 20-7 in the first quarter, 39-11 at half time.

They later extended their lead to 79-17 in the third quarter before tallying their scores to a 59 goals difference at the final whistle.

The pair was also assisted by centre player Betty Kizza who was also the youngest and most impressive player on the She Cranes team who steered Uganda to the title at the Africa Netball Championship last week in Kampala.

Meanwhile, efforts by goalkeeper Nampungu and others Fauzia Nakibuule, Joyce Nakibuule and Shariffie Nalwanja, also contributed to the team's first win at the event that is being hosted after every four years.

However, today's fixture is likely to be a tough one as Uganda battles the hosts Botswana who are the crowd favourites in their second Pool C fixture.

Their opponents, Botswana are so far leading the Pool C table with 4pts after beating Malaysia 72-26 and Cook Island 50-41.

Uganda and Jamaica are tied on 2pts but in second and third positions on the table that also has Malaysia and Cook Island.

Table standing; Pool C

Botswana        4pts   

Uganda           2       

Jamaica            2       

Malaysia          0        

Cook Island    0