Defender Nampungu eager to impress at debut World Cup

Nampungu passes the ball during the World University Games last year. PHOTO BY JOHN BATANUDDE

Kampala. Defender Joan Nampungu is committed to work hard and make good use of her being on the She Cranes final squad that will represent Uganda at the Netball World Cup due July 12-21.
Nampungu was among the 12 players announced by Dr Patrick Benard Ogwel, the National Council of Sports (NCS) acting general secretary, yesterday at MTN Arena Lugogo.

The Nkumba University youngster made the team after an impressive show in various events including the 2017 and 2018 African Netball Champions, Commonwealth Games, World University Netball Championships and in the local netball league.
“I am happy that my name has made it to the final official squad,” said Nampungu.
“This calls for more hard work and seriousness so that we perform well as a team at my first World Cup.”

Debutants show
Other World Cup debutants include; Betty Kizza (C), Muhayimuna Namuwaya (GK), Mary Nuba (GS) and Stella Nanfuka (GK).
The team also has team captain Peace Proscovia (GS), assistant captain Lilian Ajio (WD), Jesca Achan (C), Ruth Meeme (C), Rachael Nanyonga (GA), Stella Oyella (GA) and Sylvia Nanyonga (WA).
Meanwhile Dr Ogwel urged the players to work hard and better their World Cup performance. He also promised overwhelming support from the government in terms of finances.

“Being a World Cup we want our players to feel government support and be happy. The Shs2.1b World Cup budget will come in timely and we expect to up the She Cranes funding for the next financial year from Sh1.5b to Sh2.4b,” he said.
The team of 12 will start residential training with three reserve players including Shaffie Nalwanja, Martha Soigi and Irene Eyaru at a yet to be revealed place.
The She Cranes will start their World Cup campaign against the England Roses on July 13 at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool.

NETBALL WORLD CUP
Date: July 12-21
Venue: M&S Arena-Liverpool, England.
Group D World Cup fixtures
July 13: Uganda vs. England
July 14: Uganda vs. Scotland
July 14: Uganda vs. Samoa