She Cranes eye strong Sydney showing as World Cup countdown hits 300 days

Uganda's preparations for the 2027 Netball World Cup enter a crucial phase as the countdown to the global showpiece reaches 300 days, with the She Cranes targeting another strong performance on the international stage.

The tournament, scheduled for August 25 to September 5 in Sydney, Australia, will bring together 16 nations at the Afterpay Arena, with 64 matches set to be played.

Uganda will be making its fifth appearance at the championship, having debuted at the 1979 edition in Trinidad and Tobago.

The She Cranes will be seeking to build on their historic performance at the 2023 World Cup in Cape Town, South Africa, where they finished fifth overall after defeating hosts South Africa 49-47.

She Cranes captain Racheal Nanyonga is looking forward to returning to Sydney, where she made her World Cup debut in 2015 before featuring again at the 2019 edition in Liverpool, England.

Nanyonga believes the experience gained from her previous appearances will put her in a stronger position heading into the tournament.

"Going back to Sydney brings back a lot of memories. I trained so hard and was excited about that tournament. I played so well and boomed. Going back to Sydney, I know my experience puts me at a greater advantage," she said.

The captain is confident about Uganda's prospects, citing her experience and versatility across different playing positions.

"Going back to Sydney, I expect to do well. I have mastered all the positions I play. I have experience and, more importantly, I have walked a path of winning," Nanyonga added.

Meanwhile, defending champions Australia will be aiming to retain their title on home soil. The hosts are the most successful nation in World Cup history, having won the trophy 12 times.

World Netball has announced that tickets for the tournament are scheduled to go on public sale on November 12.

With 300 days remaining, the focus will increasingly shift to preparations, team development and the challenge of competing against the world's leading netball nations as Uganda seeks to build on its best-ever World Cup finish.

Following Uganda's triumph at the Africa Netball Cup in Kenya in September, Netball Uganda president Jocelyn Ucanda emphasised that talent identification and squad depth will be key priorities as the She Cranes prepare for the 2027 Netball World Cup.

FACT BOX

Tournament: Netball World cup

Date: 25 August to 5 September 2027

Host country: Australia

City: Sydney

Venue: Afterpay Arena

Participating nations: 16

Number of matches to be played: 64

Defending Champions: Australia

Uganda appearances: 4 (1979,2015,2019 and 2023)

Uganda’s best performance: 2023 (finished 5th overall)