She Cranes star Mary Nuba doubtful for Africa Netball Championships
The star goal shooter, who was instrumental in Uganda’s triumphant run at the Celtic Cup in Scotland, remains tied up with engagements that may keep her away from national duty.
She Cranes shooter Mary Nuba.File photo
She Cranes shooter Mary Nuba, one of Uganda’s most reliable attacking pillars, is likely to miss the upcoming Africa Netball Championships in Lilongwe, Malawi casting a shadow of uncertainty over Uganda’s title hopes.
The star goal shooter, who was instrumental in Uganda’s triumphant run at the Celtic Cup in Scotland, remains tied up with engagements that may keep her away from national duty.
Nuba, who plays professional netball for the Queensland Firebirds, has reportedly been advised against participating in two consecutive international championships. According to Netball Uganda bosses, her club bosses are concerned about her workload and have insisted she needs adequate recovery time before the 2026 season begins.
Netball Uganda’s vice president in charge of technical matters, Richard Muhumuza, confirmed that although negotiations are ongoing, the probability of seeing Nuba in Malawi is slim.
“The president remained behind trying to convince her,” Muhumuza revealed. “But personally she told me she is a bit engaged, so we might miss her in Malawi.”
Uganda has been drawn in Group A, alongside Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, in what promises to be a fiercely competitive championship. However, for the She Cranes to mount a serious challenge against continental giants South Africa and hosts Malawi, the towering presence of Nuba would have been a major asset especially in neutralizing the tall, aggressive defenders the top teams are known for.
Currently fighting to return to the sixth position in the global rankings, the She Cranes know that losing a finisher of Nuba’s caliber could be a significant blow.
The Africa Netball Championship, scheduled for December 8–14 in Lilongwe, rekindles memories of the last edition held in Windhoek, Namibia, where Uganda delivered a strong performance to finish second behind champions South Africa.
Pool A: Uganda, Kenya, Zimbabwe and Namibia
Pool B: Malawi, South Africa, Botswana and Tanzania
Men’s Category Draw
Pool A: Uganda, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana
Pool B: Malawi, Eswatini, Kenya and Namibia