She Cranes coach Mugerwa taking tough stance on discipline

30 players summoned

27 local players

3 Professionals 

The She Cranes head coach Fred Mugerwa has emphasised discipline ahead of the 2023 Netball World Cup in South Africa. 

Mugerwa noted this on Wednesday as he named the training squad from which he will name his final team for the tournament from July to August in Cape Town. 

"I was considering the future, discipline, and hard work. But note that however good you are, if not disciplined you will not be part of my team," Mugerwa said. 

Goal attacker Irene Eyaru of KCCA will stand in as acting skipper until the professionals including Mary Nuba, Peace Proscovia, and Stella Oyela join the team. 

Netball Federation President Sarah Babirye (standing) consults with coach Fred Mugerwa and assistant coach Sarah Namuddu. Photo by Johnson Were

The 28 players of the 30 summoned start training on Monday in Kamwokya. 

“I considered her because she was the assistant team captain and has the leadership skills, so she will be acting team captain until we name a final squad and a team skipper,” Mugerwa said. 

He added that he is confident the players he named are good enough to effectively represent the country if given good preparations. 

Mugerwa will use the men’s national team ‘the Rock’ as friendlies to test the girls and give them the strength of competing on the international stage.

“We don’t have the resources to have international friendlies, but if I use the men, they will give the girls that strength, speed, and confidence to perform,” Mugerwa explained.

Mugerwa will be assisted by Sarah Namuddu as an assistant coach and the two tend to focus much on the defense so that they reduce the number of goals the team concedes. 

The sixteenth edition of the Vitality Netball World Cup will take place July 28-August 6,2023 at the International Convention Centre in Cape Town. 

The provisional players named are;

Shooters

Stella Oyella (Sirens Scotland), Christine Namulumba (Prisons), Mary Nuba (Loughborough Lightning UK), Sera Zam (NIC), Godlive Aguti (UPDF), Asinah Kabendela, Harriet Amoding (Weyonje), Irene Eyaru, Shadia Nassanga (KCCA) and Peace Proscovia (Storm Surrey UK),

Mid-court players

Penlop Anita, Baagala Margret, Lillian Achola, Sarah Nakiyunga, Victoria Nantumbwe (NIC), Malisera Akello, Joyce Nakibuule (Prison), Norah Lunkuse, Annet Najjuka (KCCA)

Defenders:

Hanisha Muhammed, Christine Nakitto, Shaffie Nalwanja (KCCA) Shakirah Nassaka, Faridah Kadondi (Weyonje), Privas Kayeny (NIC), Bushira Nassaazi (UCU), Stella Nanfuka, Viola Asingo, Tausi Mumena (Prisons) and Nalule Flavia (Police).

Technical

Head Coach: Fred Tabale Mugerwa

Assistant coach: Namuddu Sarah