Fast 5 Netball World Series: She Cranes in New Zealand with optimism

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When Uganda’s She Cranes made their debut at the Fast 5 Netball World Series in 2022, it was about exposure to top-level international netball.

However, on the court, it was more than just exposure for the She Cranes. Backed by the vocal crowd at Christchurch Arena, the Ugandans turned in three entertaining performances on the opening day.

First, was a loss to New Zealand followed by a 33-22 victory over Jamaica and a heartbreaking 38-34 loss to England later on but the She Cranes had already announced their arrival on the grand stage of the short format of Netball. The Ugandans quickly adapted to Fast 5 and would go on to beat eventual winners Australia and dominate Jamaica in the fifth-place playoff on the subsequent day.

Now returning to the tournament which is scheduled for this weekend (November 9-10) at the same Arena, the She Cranes.

Three foreign-based players; Maary Cholhok, Faridah Kadondi and Hanisha Muhameed, were named on the team. However, Muhameed trained with the team locally for a couple of weeks.

Skipper Irene Eyaru, midcourt star Margret Baagala, Christine Namulumba, and shooter Shadiah Nassanga who has been in fine form are joined by Christine Nakitto, Sandra Nambirige and Joyce Nakibuule to complete the squad.