Dont be scared, She Cranes told

By David Namunyala

RARELY do team captains wish the opposition success going into a major championship.

But England’s captain Geva Mentor did just that for the She Cranes going into their first Netball World Cup match since 1979.

Aware of the fact that the entire She Cranes were making their first World Cup appearance, Geva asked the Ugandans to keep their nerves throughout the tournament.

Geva, who has watched She Cranes team captain Peace Proscovia play in the England Netball League, and are friends, asked the Ugandans to stick to their game-plan. 

“We have heard a lot about you (Uganda) and I am sure you are a good side,” Geva said during her visit to the She Cranes residence at Ibis Hotel.

“Don’t get intimidated by other teams that have been here before. All you have to do is to play your game,” she said.

It’s been 24 years since Australia hosted the Netball World Cup, and when the action gets underway in Sydney on Friday, it will begin with a bang.

Wonderful opening ceremony

Under the guidance of Creative Director Jane Miskovic-Wheatley, the ceremony will celebrate netball yesterday, today and tomorrow, highlighting the people who have made netball the great sport that it is — the athletes, the coaches, the supporters and the fans.

The sporting arena will be transformed into a theatrical space via projection and lighting, and over 350 cast members from around New South Wales will tell the stories of the game in music and dance.

The Ceremony will celebrate the energy, excitement and enthusiasm of netball to a packed arena of 16,500 fans and many more across the world through international broadcast. 

Starting line-up: Peace Proscovia (GS), Rachael Nanyonga (GA), Halima Nakachwa (WA), Ruth Meeme (C), Lillian Ajio (WD), Betty Namukasa (GD), and Florence Nanyonga (GK).

Subs: Florence Amono, Alice Nanteza, Jesca Achan, Harriet Apako and Stella Oyella.