By Andrew Irumba
Liverpool: Uganda’s She Cranes managed a 69-48 win over Samoa, a confirmation that all four African teams at the tournament now have at least one victory.
Hosts England who defeated Uganda in the Group A opening game on Friday, recorded a second win at the tournament, beating Scotland by 70-34.
Uganda, Malawi, Zimbabwe and South Africa have each secured a win at the 2019 Netball World Cup and South Africa so far had scored the biggest score of the World Cup tournament thus far as they won 90-35.
However, they are emerging reports that all is not well in the She Cranes camp. There is reportedly a growing rift between players and the technical team over bonuses.
The players requested to meet Government representative and sports minister Hon Charles Bakabulindi minus the technical committee.
Without revealing the nitty-gritty, Bakabulindi said the Government will do everything possible to restore harmony in the camp.
The players had also had differences before travelling to Liverpool for the championship over unpaid bonuses.
She Cranes are a much fancied side with Rachael Nanyonga and Peace Proscovia leading the offensive charge.
Earlier on Tuesday 9 July, The Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga tasked government to give the female national team, She Cranes, the money they need to compete in World Netball World Cup in Liverpool, England.
During the Tuesday plenary, Kadaga congratulated Uganda Cranes for having put up a good show at the African Cup of Nations in Egypt.
“They have qualified twice in a row,” Kadaga noted.
“I also want to call on government to do something about the She Cranes. They are in London for the Netball world cup,” she told plenary.
She went on: “Money for the footballers is there but the money for netballers is not there because they are women. I want to know from Minister of finance.”
The State Minister for Sports Charles Bakkabulindi informed the house that each member of the She Cranes was advanced Shs5m each and the balance will be ready soon.
Speaker was not satisfied and she retorted: “The young women have been in many competitions as a build up to the Netball World Cup and you knew. Why don’t you plan for them?”
A cornered Bakkabulindi told the speaker the details of the money as agreed will be paid.
“Have you paid for their accommodation while there?” Kadaga insisted.
Bakkabulindi: “I will come with the details the other week.”
Speaker [losing her patience]: No, we want an answer next week on Tuesday.
The speaker maintained that the She Cranes have been discriminated against for a long time and this has to change.
Uganda is pitted against Samoa, Scotland and England in Group D.
