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Uganda finish second, South Africa rewrites history at Netball Africa Cup

She Cranes celebrate their Silver. PHOTO/COURTESY
What you need to know:
They stunned Malawi 51-43 at semifinals to progress to the much anticipated final but had their title dream shattered by a 65-50 loss against the Spar Proteas.
The national netball team the She Cranes put up a steady performance at the Netball Africa Cup drawing against Zimbabwe, beating hosts Namibia and Eswatini to top group B at the competition that ended on Saturday.
They stunned Malawi 51-43 at semifinals to progress to the much anticipated final but had their title dream shattered by a 65-50 loss against the Spar Proteas.
South Africa showed prowess amid the She Cranes’ slow pace, dominating all the four game quarters.
At first quarter South Africa was leading by four after a 16-12 score, the second quarter did not help much as the goal difference extended to six. The Spur Proteas stretched their lead till the final whistle.
Now South Africa are not only double winners at this year’s event after beating Eswatini 60-39 in the men’s game, but also brag of back to back victories at the competition following the 2021 title win when they stopped the She Cranes at finals.
The competition saw Uganda’s Maggie Baagala celebrated as the best centre player.
Baagala who was elated to receive the accolade had her teammates and family to thank for the achievement.
“It means a lot to me. I dedicate this award to my teammates and Family,” she stated.
Despite not winning the grand prize, Coach Nelson Bogere was impressed by the team’s display.
“I am so proud of the team and thank all the girls that they delivered well. A few mistakes and officiating issues cost us. Young defenders Gloria Aya and Mercy Batamuliza really impressed and I feel it’s high time we consider giving young talents a chance because they can deliver,” Bogere said.
A draw not a loss against Zimbabwe
Uganda started the Africa Cup with a 49-50 loss against Zimbabwe in group B. However it was later recorded as a 49-all draw after Uganda’s petition.
According to Netball Uganda President Jocelyn Ucanda who has been in Namibia with the team, Zimbabwe’s last goal was awarded to them after the final whistle hence it was later annulled.
“The Uganda - Zimbabwe game was a draw, we reviewed a video and they added a goal, we petitioned and complained and a mistake was discovered hence the draw. We shared the spoils,” Ucanda said.
However the newly elected president picked a few lessons from the competition and she is determined to see that the She Cranes do not lower their guards if they are to maintain top positions in the world rankings.
“We learnt that lower ranked countries have improved a lot hence we ought to work harder and not relax, we ought to add onto what we know and not decline,” she added.
Africa Netball Cup
Results
Semi final
Uganda 51-43 Malawi
Final
South Africa 65-50 Uganda