Netball: Youthful She Cranes ready to defend Africa title

Africa Netball Cup (Pool B)

Uganda v Zimbabwe (Friday, 9 am)

Tanzania v Uganda  (Saturday, 10 am)

Kenya v Uganda (Sunday, 3 pm)

As the Africa Netball Cup gets underway on Friday, She Cranes captain Desire Mirembe believes the girls are as ready as they can ever be.

"With all the preparations we have done so far, we are ready, capable and determined to win this tournament. We have not trained for long but the things we have been able to achieve in a month of training have given us the confidence we need to win," Mirembe said.

With coach Rashid Mubiru emphasising the need to keep their world ranking, the onus is on the vastly inexperienced team to claim two scalps at the championships.

"We didn't do well at the World Cup against some of the teams like Malawi and South Africa but as of now, we are ready. We got someone to clarify some of the rules to all of us and that is why we are optimistic about the tournament," she added.

Opening against the Gems of Zimbabwe will put pressure on anyone but Mubiru is confident his team although slightly inexperienced, will deliver.

"Most of the girls on the team are a little experienced because they have played at the World University Championships so we should not worry about that," Mubiru said.

He has selected a youthful team with a number of debutants including Shaffie Nalwanja, Privas Kayen and Hindu Namutebi.

She Cranes: Jesca Acha, Privas Kayen, Irene Eyaru, Desire Mirembe, Mary Nuba Cholock, Shaffie Nalwanja, Joan Nampungu, Stella Nanfuka, Stella Oyella, Martha Soigi, Hindu Namutebi

Coaches: Rashid Mubiru, Beatrice Zawadi