MAKERERE– African teams continue their domination at the third World University Netball Championships in Makerere.
Hosts Uganda, defending champions South Africa and Zimbabwe are beating up on all opposition put in front of them in the week-long event at one of Africa’s oldest Universities.
Uganda was in superb form on Tuesday beating up on neighbours Kenya 105-15 and Singapore 77-19.
South Africa who are eyeing their second straight title were in equally impressive form as they overwhelmed Sri Lanka 116-6.
For Zimbabwe, making their second appearance at the biennial event, they beat up on a much improved USA side, 40-28 in a tight contest.
South Africa are seen by some pundits and players as the favourites to win the tournament.
“They are a solid well-balanced side with the maturity far beyond most of us, Uganda’s team captain Irene Eyaru said of South Africa in the post-match interview against Singapore.
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, said Ong after the game.
This is the third edition of the World Netball University Championships.
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, has featured in all editions of the competition.
