KAMPALA, March 2 (Xinhua) -- Uganda has named the final squad that will travel to Barbados for two international friendly matches as they prepare for the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in Australia.
Imelda Nyongesa, the She Cranes coach told Xinhua on Friday that the technical bench has named a strong team that will play two crucial international friendly games against hosts Barbados on March 9 and 10.
"Playing against a team that is one of the 10 top ranked in the world will give us good preparations ahead of the Commonwealth Games in Australia," added the coach who will however miss team captain skipper Peace Proscovia who will be busy with her team Loughborough Lightening in England.
Susan Anek Ongom, the President of the Uganda Netball Federation (UNF) told Xinhua that they are in the later process of securing US transit visas before the team travels next week. "This trip to Bridgetown is very timely because our team needs good international exposure," said Ongom.
Barbados has played at the Commonwealth Games three times and eight times at the World Cup, while Uganda who is ranked 7th in the world has only been at the World Cup in 1979 and 2015.
For the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, Uganda is grouped alongside New Zealand, England, Wales, Scotland and Malawi.
All the 12 best ranked teams will take part in the Commonwealth Games from April 4 to 15. Netball was introduced into the Games in 1998 in Malaysia and has been an integral part of the program since.
Uganda squad:
Lilian Ajio (Captain), Betty Kizza, Desire Obua, Irene Okello, Florence Nanyonga, Hadijah Nakabuye, Halima Nakachwa, Jesca Achan, Joan Nampungu, Racheal Nanyonga, Ruth Meeme, Stella Nanfuka, Stella Oyella, Zamu Seera, Muhayimuna Namuwaya.