Makerere– African teams have taken a commanding in the third World University Netball Championships at Makerere. 

Hosts Uganda, defending champions South Africa and Zimbabwe are beating all opposition in the weeklong event at one of Africa’s oldest universities.

Uganda was in superb form on Tuesday beating neighbours Kenya 105-15 and Singapore 77-19 at Makerere’s new indoor sports facility. 

South Africa who are eyeing their second straight title were in equally impressive as they overwhelmed Sri Lanka 116-6. Zimbabwe, making their second appearance at the biennial event, beat a much improved USA 40-28.

South Africa are seen by some pundits as the favourites. “They are a solid well-balanced side with the maturity far beyond most of their opponents,” Uganda’s team captain Irene Eyaru told journalists in the post-match interview against Singapore.

The USA are yet to win a match but they also have all the signs of a fast-improving side. 

“We should be even better in our next games,” promised Captain Amara Mbionwu, however noting that they will also have to improve on their passing.

Despite losing to Uganda, Singapore also displayed good organization. They made the best of spaces and regularly made good interceptions, though, like their captain Tabitha Ong noted, they were let down by their inferior size. “We played a much better team with bigger physique. It was a tough match but we did our best.”

England won the inaugural tournament in 2012 in Cape Town, South Africa after beating the hosts. South Africa, however, bounced back stronger in the next edition in Miami in 2016. 

They beat Jamaica 43-39 in the final to emerge champions. In the semi-final, they beat Uganda, who eventually lost to Australia in the bronze medal game.

Host nations organize the biennial event together with the Fédération Internationale du Sport Universitaire (FISU). It is a women's indoor tournament with a maximum of 12 teams competing. A total of 12 competitors and five officials are allowed per team. Uganda, a fast-growing netball country, has featured in all editions of the competition.

Edited by JNS