Uganda women’s netball team, the She Cranes became the best on the continent after a sumptuous victory over South Africa to round off the 2023 Netball World Cup in style.
In beating the hosts at the Cape Town International Conventional Center 49-47 on Sunday, She Cranes were sweetly revenging against a side that edged them earlier in the tournament 52-50.
The overall victory at the global showpiece was welcomed on various grounds, given the circumstances that prevailed before the team departed for South Africa.
Ladies and gentlemen, we present to you the Best in Africa and 5th in the World… @shecranes256 ????????????#GoLocal ???? #ShowYourBlackYellowRed pic.twitter.com/w6qUyhyhkE
— Nnalubaale Sports (@NnalubaaleS) August 6, 2023
However, many would wish the triumph brought a bit of rationality, lucidity, and stability among the top honchos within the Uganda Netball Federation.
Netball Federation woes
Months leading to the World Cup, UNF President Sarah Babirye Kityo was asked by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Janet Museveni, to take leave pending investigation over alleged fund misallocation.
Babirye was thereby replaced by Brigadier Flavia Byekwaso, who was tasked to oversee business in the interim.
Days before the She Cranes made their way to South Africa, Babirye who also endured jail time returned as time for the leave had elapsed, but wasn’t given the welcome she expected and Byekwaso stayed in office.
There’s a disgusting division at the top, which many fear will tear the game further down, despite the success that the Ladies toil to bring to the country.
It’s believed, both ladies; Byekwaso and Babirye were in charge of the games at the World Cup.
Also, it’s as crystal clear as glass that government still acknowledges the interim, Byekwaso while the players and staff consider Babirye as the lady at the top.
“Record-making president, Hon. Babirye Kityo Sarah,” the UNF tweeted following the historical Sunday success.
Record making president
Hon. Babirye Kityo Sarah ????????????????????????#NWC2023 | #shecranesZaabike | #PlasconTwaake | #GSBUGANDANESHECRANES| #FlyUgandaAirlines @kayiirajackson @PlasconUganda @thecreedsport @GSB_Uganda @UG_Airlines pic.twitter.com/VcLuSmcUL8— Uganda Netball Federation (@shecranes256) August 6, 2023
As all parties continue to celebrate the She Cranes’ success, there should be a springboard for not only better preparations and funding but also for sanity at the federation.
Courtesy Photos
