Nanyonga, Nalwanja to captain She Cranes in crucial South Africa Test Series
Uganda is scheduled to play three international test matches from July 12 to 16 in Johannesburg.
Shaffie Nalwanja and Racheal Nanyonga. PHOTOS: Ismail Mulangwa
Experienced goal attacker Racheal Nanyonga and goalkeeper Shaffie Nalwanja will captain the She Cranes during their friendly games with South Africa’s Spar Proteas.
Uganda is scheduled to play three international test matches from July 12 to 16 in Johannesburg.
Nanyonga has been named team captain, while goalkeeper Nalwanja will serve as assistant captain as Uganda steps up preparations for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
The pair bring a wealth of leadership experience, having guided their respective clubs to success in the National Netball League. Nanyonga captains NIC Netball Club, while Nalwanja leads reigning league champions KCCA Netball Club.
For Nanyonga, the assignment marks another major milestone in her international career. The experienced goal attacker will be featuring at her second Commonwealth Games, having made her debut at the 2018 edition.
She believes the experience she has gained over the years has transformed her as both a player and a leader.
"During my first Commonwealth Games, I was very young and naive. This time, I have gained enough experience. Being my second Commonwealth Games, I feel ready, and I believe my team is also ready," Nanyonga said.
She added that the three test matches against South Africa will be crucial in helping the technical team assess the squad's readiness while giving players an opportunity to identify areas that need improvement before the Games.
Assistant captain Nalwanja is equally optimistic ahead of the tour. She will also be making her second appearance at the Commonwealth Games after debuting at the 2022 edition in Birmingham.
"We are ready for the big stage. The team has prepared well, and we are now looking forward to the matches. The South Africa test series will be important in helping us build confidence ahead of the Commonwealth Games," Nalwanja said.
The 15-player She Cranes squad is expected to depart for Johannesburg on July 11 and return on July 17. The team will then leave for Glasgow on July 21 ahead of the Commonwealth Games, which will take place from July 23 to August 2.