Netball: Change of Balance of power as She Cranes conquer Africa in Birmingham

The 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth games have changed the African netball power holds status as Uganda National Netball team She “Cranes” took over from the long time game leaders on the continent with a serious series statements.

This is Uganda’s first win against South Africa in a decade as the last victory came through back in 2011 during the All Africa games held in Maputo, Angola.

The She Cranes’ master piece 54-48 and 56-43 wins against Africa’s number one and two South Africa and Malawi respectively to finish fifth at the ongoing, 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham seemed to be the beginning of change of the continent ‘s emperors

Uganda outclassed South Africa in a 54-48 win during a classification game to decide who finish 5^th at this year’s Commonwealth games.

A win against South Africa came shortly after Uganda’s She Cranes humbled noisy opponents Malawi, currently Africa’s number two, in a 56-43 master piece to book date with South Africa for the 5^th place classification game.

With the winners character and a never say die attitude showcased by Uganda’s rebuilt youthful side, the future looks to bright despite continued sabotage and baby fights from the National Council of Sports (NCS), engineered by it’s General Secretary for his own selfish interests.

The She Cranes came from behind in both games against Malawi and South Africa to overturn results.

This is Uganda’s first win against South Africa in a decade as the last victory came through back in 2011 during the All Africa games championship in Maputo, Angola and since then, Uganda lost over ten times to South Africa

On the day, Mary Nuba Cholhok stood taller than any other in the crowd to score 31 goals, Irene Eyaru contributed 21 and Shadia Nassanga added two more in a historical victory.

South Africa’s Ine-Mari Venter and Van Der Berg proved good with 25 and 17 goals respectively for South Africa in their nightmare loss.

Tactician Fred Mugerwa named a very youthful and inexperienced side ahead of the Commonwealth games in which Uganda’s netball fraternity die hards expected less. However, the squad proved negative talks meaningless.

The She Cranes played a total of six games winning a record four against Trinidad and Tobago, Northern Ireland, Malawi and South Africa and two losses against world champion New Zealand and England.

All our Commonwealth results

New Zealand 53-40 Uganda

Uganda 62-28 Trinidad and Tobago

England 56-35 Uganda

Uganda 63-26 Northern Ireland

Malawi 43-56 Uganda

Classification match for 5^th position

South Africa 48-54 Uganda

How She Cranes lined up against South Africa:

Mary Nuba Cholhok (GS)

Irene Eyaru (GA)

Stella Oyella (WA)