She Cranes begin preparations for 2025 Vitality Netball Nations Cup

The Uganda national netball team, the She Cranes, has commenced training for the upcoming 2025 Vitality Netball Nations Cup, scheduled to take place from February 1-9 at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham, England.

The team will face stiff competition from hosts England’s Vitality Roses, South Africa’s SPAR Proteas, and Malawi’s Queens.

The She Cranes’ 22-player squad boasts a mix of youth and experience, with seasoned players like Stella Oyella, Racheal Nanyonga and Sylvia Nanyonga making a return to the national fold.

Oyella, who has represented Uganda in several international competitions, including the 2018 and 2022 Commonwealth Games and two World Cups, brings valuable experience to the team.

The team is under the guidance of a new technical team led by Rashid Mubiru and Ruth Meeme.

The coaching duo will be tasked with preparing the team for the invitational tournament.

The team has begun training at the Makerere grounds, with a focus on building a strong team dynamic and strategy ahead of the tournament.

Mercy Batamuliza and Faridah Kadondi, who were part of Uganda’s team that finished second at the 2024 Netball Africa Cup, have not been included in the squad.

The squad includes:

Defenders: Sandra Nambirige, Sylvia Nanyonga, Gloria Aya, Nasim Mutesi, Christine Nakitto, Hanisha Muhameed, Kayeny Privas, and Dorah Nakijoba

Middle Court: Fildauce Namuleme, Akello Malisera, Penelop Amiya, Joan Reroboth, Hindu Namutebi, Margaret Baagala, and Lilian Achola

Shooters: Shadiah Nassanga, Christine Namulumba, Barbara Namukaaya, Rachael Nanyonga, Irene Eyaru, Stella Oyella, and Mary Nuba Cholhok