She Cranes secure qualification for 2025 Netball World Cup
Uganda's national netball team, the She Cranes, have secured their spot in the 2025 Netball World Cup after an impressive performance in the African qualifiers held in Pretoria, South Africa.
The team, led by captain Stella Oyella, demonstrated exceptional skill and determination throughout the tournament, winning all their matches against top African competitors including Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Botswana.
Head coach Fred Mugerwa expressed his pride in the team's achievement: "This qualification is the result of years of hard work and dedication from our players, coaching staff, and the entire Uganda Netball Connect. We're excited to represent Uganda on the world stage once again."
The 2025 Netball World Cup will be held in Sydney, Australia, marking the She Cranes' third consecutive appearance at the prestigious tournament. Uganda finished 7th at the 2019 World Cup in Liverpool, England, and will be aiming to improve on that performance.
UNC President Sarah Babirye congratulated the team and thanked the government and sponsors for their support: "This achievement wouldn't be possible without the continued support from our partners and the Ministry of Education and Sports. We're committed to ensuring the team has the best possible preparation for the World Cup."
The qualification comes as a significant boost for netball in Uganda, which continues to grow in popularity and success on the international stage. The She Cranes are currently ranked 7th in the world, making them the top-ranked African team.
Preparations for the World Cup will begin immediately, with friendly matches and training camps planned over the coming months. The UNC has also announced plans to strengthen the domestic league to ensure players maintain their competitive edge.
Fans celebrated the qualification across the country, with a special reception planned for the team's return to Kampala next week.
