Uganda maintains unbeaten run in varsity netball

Mary Nuba in action during Ugandas win against Sri Lanka. PHOTOS: Richard sanya

Peace Proscovia is undoubtedly the biggest name in Ugandan netball.

She has scaled great heights not only for the She Cranes but also her English club Loughborough University.

The mere thought of who will replace her when she retires, has for long had many doubting whether there is anyone capable of fitting in her shoes.

That might no longer be the case at least going by the form displayed by Irene Eyaru and Mary Nuba in the ongoing university championship.

 Nuba in action against Sri lanka

The two stars are largely the reason behind Uganda's cruise to an unbeaten run in the third edition of the biennial competition at Makerere.

Eyaru's industry and almost flawless conversion rate has tormented opponents. She scored 65 goals as Uganda overwhelmed Sri Lanka 132-24 Wednesday.

At 6ft 7in Nuba is not only the tallest player at the tournament, but also one of the most dreaded shooters.

Supporters in Makerere University's new sports facility chanted "Mary, Mary, Mary…." as the towering player scored 45 goals in the two quarters she played.

 Team Uganda during FISU World University Championship at Makerere University

Africa Netball President Tebogo Lebotse-Sebego is one of those full of praises for Proscovia, but notes that in Nuba she could have a fitting replacement.

"Mary has the physical attributes to become a great player," she stated in an exclusive interview with The New Vision.

Tebogo also notes that Nuba, who is 19, might have an even brighter future.

"She is also advantaged by the fact that she is much younger than when Proscovia was first spotted. This means there are great chances of being groomed into a much better player."

 South Africa's Marlize De Bruin during the FISU World University Championship at Makerere University

The Ugandan duo, however, face its first real test Friday when it takes on defending champions South Africa.

There are all indications that South Africa will thereafter again meet the hosts in the final.

Both sides are unbeaten meaning they will first meet to complete the round robin then face off again in a final.

 Singapore's Goal Shooter Cheong JPM sandwiched between South African players

South Africa were in equally impressive form Wednesday as they beat Singapore 92-11.

Kenya who got off to a losing start on Monday also bounced back yesterday with two wins.They first shocked Zimbabwe 41-28 before edging USA 44-40.

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Monday results

South Africa 117 USA 4

Zimbabwe 44 Sri Lanka 31

Singapore 39 Kenya 38

Uganda 102 USA 16

Tuesday results

Uganda 105 v Kenya 15

South Africa116 v Sri Lanka 6

Zimbabwe 40 v USA 28

Uganda 77 v Singapore 19

Wednesday

Zimbabwe 28 v Kenya 41

12pm- South Africa 92 v Singapore 11

2pm- Uganda 132 v Sri Lanka 24

4pm- USA 40 v Kenya 44

6pm South Africa v Zimbabwe

Thursday

10am-Singapore v USA

12pm-Sri Lanka v Kenya

2pm-Uganda v Zimbabwe

4pm-Singapore v Sri Lanka