Team Uganda beat defending champions South Africa to lift world Netball University trophy

Written by: 
JULIAN NAKIWALA

Photo by: Elvis Lubanga

The amazing and the top performing from The Mighty  Cranes popularly known as  Team Uganda has been on Friday evening crowned champions of World Netball University Championships after beating defending champions South Africa who are also the Africa's number in the final game (44-43) held at Makerere University

 

Team Uganda proved to be superior among others as it remained unbeaten also edging defending champions in a hot contested final also attended by Uganda’s premier Ruhakana Rugunda who applauded Team Uganda for the confidence and making the country proud.

 

With just one minute remaining, the destination of the title looked to be in South Africa's hands, but Mary Nuba, Uganda's goal sharp shooter late three dramatic shots turned The Mighty Cranes the week-long tournament winners. 

 

The three came moments after defending champions had maintained a thin margin lead, giving Team Uganda a chance to turn their fortunes. 

 

The results made it a perfect unbeaten run of 7 consecutive games for the hosts at the tournament played in a newly launched but incomplete indoor stadium at Makerere University.

 

Uganda opened up their victory journey thrashing United States 102-16 on September 17 as South Africa also battered Sri Lanka to emerge a bigger tournament threat. 

 

The Mighty Cranes also beaten their neighbours Kenya 105 - 15, 77-19 against third runners up Singapore and 133 - against Sri Lanka. 

 

The hosts also thrashed Zimbabwe on match day 4 and finally ended the tournament with a hard fought and a much celebrated win by Makerere students against defending champions whom they also played on Friday morning in a match where both teams locked horns in a 42-42 draw. 

 

The might Cranes dramatic win in the final against South Africa (44-43) sent them to podium.