She Cranes trim squad to 16 ahead of Celtic Netball Cup in Scotland

Uganda’s national senior netball team, the She Cranes, has narrowed its squad from 23 to 16 players as preparations intensify for the prestigious Celtic Netball Cup, set to take place at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, Scotland.

This marks Uganda’s second appearance at the tournament, which runs from November 26 to 30. The team has been in rigorous training since mid-September, alternating sessions between the HAMz Netball Court in Nakivubo and the MTN Arena in Lugogo.

With the tournament fast approaching, the coaching and technical staff have finalized the 16-player shortlist that will enter residential training early next month. From this group, the final delegation of 12 players is expected to depart for Scotland by November 23, 2025.

Among the notable players who did not make the cut are Mercy Batamuliza, Josephine Bakitta, Stella Nanfuka, Brenda Nakazibwe, Linda Muzigo, Cecilia Mugena, and Asinah Kabendera.

Richard Muhumuza, Head Technical Officer at Netball Uganda, confirmed the squad reduction and emphasized the shift to full-time training.

“The team has been training twice a week for the past month, but we’re now moving to full-time sessions because time is of the essence,” Muhumuza said.

He explained that the earlier reduced schedule was designed to accommodate players’ club commitments, as the national top-flight league continues to run every weekend.

Head coach Rashid Mubiru expressed confidence in the team’s progress, noting that selection will be based strictly on performance.

“Final squad decisions won’t be influenced by reputation, physical attributes, or club affiliations. Only those who exceed training expectations and demonstrate tournament-level fitness will make the cut,” Mubiru stated.

Professional netballer Mary Nuba Cholhok, who plays for the Queensland Firebirds in Australia’s Suncorp Super Netball League, is expected to join the team upon their arrival in Scotland.

The 16-player squad in the camp

Racheal Nanyonga, Zam Sera, Shadia Nassanga, Specioza Namusoke, Alice Winnie Isoto, Margaret Baagala, Fildauce Namulema, Lilian Achola, Malisera Akello, Gloria Ayaa, Lilian Ajio, Shakira Nassaka, Shaffie Nalwanja, Norah Lunkuse, Christine Nakitto and Faridah Kadondi.

Participating Teams

Wales: Welsh Feathers (ranked 6th), Uganda: She Cranes (ranked 7th), Scotland: Scottish Thistles (ranked 10th), Northern Ireland: Northern Ireland Warriors (ranked 12th), Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe Gems (ranked 13th) and Namibia: Namibia Desert Jewels (ranked 18th).