She Cranes full of zeal for Kenya clash after Malawi

The She Cranes play at the African Championship in Zambia after edging Malawi 51-46 yesterday. AFP PHOTO

KAMPALA.

Uganda play lowly rated Kenya today with much zeal after defeating two of their opponents Malawi (51-46) and Namibia (72-47) in the ongoing African Netball Championships in Lusaka, Zambia.
The She Cranes are more experienced than their East African neighbours, having won this competition unbeaten in Kampala last year whereas Kenya is just making its debut at the continental event. Uganda have also benefited from consistent appearance in international events since the 2015 World Cup. They finished sixth in the Commonwealth Games in April.

New member
Kenya, a new member in the International Netball Federation (INF), with no ranking, seeks qualification for the 2019 Netball World Cup.
Uganda and ranked countries, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia are chasing the same goal. Yesterday Kenya lost 54-34 to Namibia.
Vincent Kiwanuka, She Cranes coach praised his team who after defeating Malawi yesterday made certain of great relief. “I am happy with the She Cranes’ display, they have so far played well and all we need are prayers so that we remain unbeaten throughout,” he said.

Feared Malawi
Malawi are among the most ferocious opponents taking part in the continental event. Malawi entered this contest, not to qualify for the world event, but to test their strength as well as maybe avenge their loss to Uganda (54-52) during the recently concluded Commonwealth Games.
The two winners in the round-robin event will book slots for the Netball World Cup to be held next year in Liverpool –England.
Meanwhile South Africa and Malawi are destined to automatically qualify for the world event by virtual of their stance at the world netball log. Both are in the top six.