By: Geoffrey Mugabi
The Uganda senior women’s netball national team, the She Cranes, put up a spirited fight but ultimately lost to South Africa in the finals of the 2024 Africa Netball Cup on Saturday in Namibia.
Despite their resilient performance, the She Cranes fell short, losing 50-65 to South Africa, who proved why they are Africa’s number one.
South Africa led all four quarters, but the first quarter was the closest, ending 16-12 in favor of South Africa.
At halftime, South Africa stretched their lead to six points, leading 30-24.
The South Africans dominated the third quarter, leading 50-33. Although the She Cranes had excelled in the third quarter throughout the tournament, South Africa was the better side on this occasion.
In the final quarter, Uganda narrowed the gap but still trailed by 15 goals as South Africa deservedly won the final.
This victory marked South Africa’s fourth Africa Netball Cup title, having previously won in 2013, 2019, 2021, and now 2024. Uganda remains with three cup titles.
Despite losing the final, Uganda showed an impressive performance after a slow start.
They had narrowly and shockingly drawn with Zimbabwe but went on to win the rest of their group games and semifinals.
Notably, Uganda had petitioned Africa Netball after a score mishap at the end of the first quarter in the game against Zimbabwe.
A review proved that a goal had been incorrectly awarded, and the petition was successful, resulting in the game officially ending 49-49, rather than a loss for Uganda.
Margaret Bagala was named the tournament’s best centre after her stellar performance throughout the cup.
The team will depart from Hosea Kutako International Airport at 2 pm on Sunday, with the first batch expected to arrive in Entebbe at 3:30 am on Monday morning, and the second batch arriving at 11 am on Monday.
