She Cranes set for Barbados

International friendly
March, 9-10
Uganda v Barbados

Uganda's national netball team, She Cranes will warm-up for their first appearance at the Commonwealth Games by taking on the world's 10th ranked nation Barbados on March 9-10 at Bridgetown.

The She Cranes, ranked 7th in the World, are expected to acquire US transit visas today according to She Cranes team manager Jocelyn Ucanda, ahead of their flight scheduled for Tuesday next week.

"It's not been easy working on the documentations for the team's visas but I am happy that we are finally through and I want to thank all those who have helped us attain this," Ucanda said on Thursday.

She added, "We were worried of having to pay a fi ne for not showing up for an INF organised event. The flight bookings are done and they expect us in Barbados on Wednesday next week."

The She Cranes need to beat the ‘Bajan Gems' of Barbados in order to either strengthen or improve on their rankings.

But what Ucanda and her team of coaches Imelda Nyongesa and assistant Rashid Mubiru have to put in mind is, unlike Uganda that is making its maiden appearance at the Commonwealth Games, Barbados seems to be a more experienced side having played at three editions.

The Bajan Gems first played at the Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Games in 1998 where they finished in 6th position. They also competed at the 2010 and 2014 edition and finished in 7th and 11th in Delhi, India and Glasgow, Scotland respectively.

"They could have the experience but the She Cranes have potential," said Ucanda.

The She Cranes squad to Barbados includes team captain Lillian Ajio, Betty Kizza, Desire Obua, Irene Akello, Florence Nanyonga, Hadijah Nakabuye, Halima Nakachwa, Jesca Achan, Joan Nampungu,Racheal Nanyonga, Ruth Meeme, Stella Nanfuka, Stella Oyella, Zamu Seera and Muhayimuna Namuwaya.