She Cranes now a brand in Australia

By James Bakama

Australia and Uganda might be worlds apart but that has not stopped the She Cranes from winning the hearts of many in Sydney.

Uganda’s national side has drawn support from all corners of Australia at the ongoing Netball World Cup. She Cranes’ two matches have both been big attractions. The spirited support includes hundreds of Ugandans living in Australia.

Ugandans have come from as far as Perth to follow their team. “The trip has been worth it. We are proud to be Ugandan,” said a Perth based engineer. The team’s appeal is boosted by its fairy tale like run at netball’s biggest
competition.

Uganda, featuring in its second world cup, started off the competition as underdogs. Rated 14th in the International
Netball Federation rankings, the She Cranes were according to many not supposed to make it out of the group stage.

Being in the spotlight is in sharp contrast to the kind of attention the Ugandan netballers get at home.

Netball is in Uganda regarded as a small sport. Almost all netball games here are attended by a handful of supporters.

The story has however suddenly changed. The She Cranes are now commanding the spotlight. The She Cranes are in the process enjoying every moment of their stay in the world’s sixth biggest nation.

Team captain Peace Proscovia says she is thrilled to be in Australia. “It has always been my dream country. The day I
landed I was so excited; I couldn’t wait to get out of the plane. It is such a joy,” she said last week.

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