Budget shortfall forces She Cranes to scale down Celtic Cup squad
The team's plans to commence residential training have been put on hold, and they've been forced to scale down their squad to 14 players who have received visas, from an initial 15, amidst an uncertain financial outlook.
According to Yusuf Kamulegeya, the treasurer of Netball Uganda, the initial budget for the Celtic Cup was sh400 million, but securing funds has proven challenging. (Courtesy photo)
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The senior netball team, the She Cranes, has dealt a significant blow as financial issues continue to impede their preparations for the upcoming Celtic Netball Cup, scheduled to take place from November 26 to 30 in Glasgow, Scotland.
The team's plans to commence residential training have been put on hold, and they've been forced to scale down their squad to 14 players who have received visas, from an initial 15, amidst an uncertain financial outlook.
The management has made some tough decisions, including removing shooter Alice Winnie Isoto from the final squad, in addition to several players who were previously cut from the camp: Mercy Batamuliza, Josephine Bakitta, Stella Nanfuka, Brenda Nakazibwe, Linda Muzigo, Cecilia Mugena and Asinah Kabendera.
"We were supposed to have begun residential training last week; however, we're still grappling with financial difficulties," said Yusuf Kamulegeya, treasurer of Netball Uganda.
"With just over a week before our departure to Scotland on November 23, it's imperative that we garner support to enable our She Cranes to make a mark in this historic tournament."
According to Kamulegeya, the initial budget for the Celtic Cup was sh400 million, but securing funds has proven challenging.
"We've had to rely on borrowed funds to cater for players in non-residential training and other essential expenses. We've paid the sh100m registration fee and another sh100m for tickets. We've just cleared visas for 14 players and 6 officials, with each visa costing sh660,000," he explained.
With the She Cranes set to participate in the African Netball Championship in Namibia early next month and the Spar Protea Netball Series in South Africa, Kamulegeya emphasised that the management had allocated a total budget of sh750m for all three tournaments.
However, mobilising resources has proved to be a significant challenge. "If we can secure funding, we can cater for player allowances, welfare and other outstanding expenses,” Kamulegeya said