She Cranes could lose W. Cup slot

Muhaimin Namuwaya jumps for the ball during She Cranes training at Namboole last week. Despite being one of Uganda’s best performing teams, the She Cranes, are poorly funded. photo BY Ismail Kezaala

What you need to know:

Netball. Uganda’s national netball team, the She Cranes, have failed to pay Shs35m meant for their accommodation during the World Cup due August 7-16 in Australia

KAMPALA.

Uganda’s national netball team, She Cranes, have until May 31 to pay $12,035 (aboutShs35m) to the International Netball Federation (INF) or be disqualified from the World Cup.

The money is meant for the team’s accommodation during the tournament due August in Sydney, Australia and deadline for payment was April 30.

“Am most disappointed that you have not paid US$12, 035 for accommodation and your preliminary team entry is incomplete yet deadline was May 7,” INF cief executive officer, Claire Briegal, said in a May 21 letter to Uganda Netball Federation (UNF) president, Susan Anek.

“I must urge you to rectify this situation immediately and send this payment and information by May 31, 2015 at the very least.” If the side fails to meet the said deadline, INF is likely to disqualify, fine or ban Uganda from the the World Cup and other competitions.

The She Cranes had a function on Friday at the MTN Arena in Lugogo (the same venue that they can’t access for training) to launch the World Cup official ball and song.

The event was, however, poorly attended.
“We invited people from all walks of life but no one has bothered to come. It seems we are on our own,” She Cranes patron, Sarah Nkonge Muwonge, told the players. “Amidst us is an official from government but he also can’t confirm when the money promised by President Museveni will be given to us,” she added, referring to David Katende, an official of National Council of Sports.

“We have borrowed money from the tournament organizer to pay for our air tickets, which money we have to pay back before it accumulates high interest,” Nkonge added.

ckyazze@@ug.nationmedia.com