She Cranes' Nassim Mutesi eyes glory and growth at Commonwealth Games debut
For Mutesi, earning a place in the squad is both an honor and an opportunity to contribute to Uganda's quest for another impressive finish on the international stage.
She Cranes goal defender Mutesi Nassim. PHOTO: Ismail Mulangwa
National netball team She Cranes goal defender Mutesi Nassim is eagerly awaiting the biggest moment of her netball career as she prepares to represent Uganda at her first Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
The NIC Netball Club player is among several members of the current national team who will be making their Commonwealth Games debut when the competition gets underway from July 23 to August 2.
For Mutesi, earning a place in the squad is both an honor and an opportunity to contribute to Uganda's quest for another impressive finish on the international stage.
"It is really exciting and I am looking forward to executing my role and adding something to the team by portraying the highest level of teamwork," Mutesi said.
Beyond the competition on the court, the Commonwealth Games also present a unique learning experience for the midfielder, who recently graduated with a Master's degree in Sports Administration from the Russian International Olympic University.
She believes the global multi-sport event will allow her to witness firsthand many of the concepts she studied in the classroom.
"It depends on how you position yourself. I will be able to see what I have been studying. The Commonwealth Games are one of the biggest sporting events in the world, and having studied the organization of sports events, I will be able to see how these Games are put together," she explained.
Uganda heads to Glasgow aiming to build on the success of the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, where the She Cranes finished fifth after producing one of their strongest performances on the world stage. Mutesi says maintaining that standard will require unity and discipline from every player.
"Netball is not an individual game; it is a team sport, so I have to connect well with the defenders so that together we make Uganda proud," she said.
The She Cranes are drawn in Group B, against New Zealand, Jamaica, Wales, hosts Scotland, and Trinidad and Tobago.
New Zealand is currently ranked second in the world, while Jamaica sits fourth. Wales occupies seventh place, Scotland is ranked 10th, and Trinidad and Tobago is 12th.
Uganda enters the tournament ranked sixth in the World Netball rankings and remains Africa's second-highest ranked nation, behind South Africa.