The Uganda national netball team, the She Cranes, will step up their preparations for next month’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow with a high-profile three-match series against South Africa, Netball South Africa has confirmed.
The series is seen as a key test for Uganda ahead of the global tournament, with both teams agreeing to use the closed-door matches as part of their final build-up.
South Africa head coach Jenny van Dyk described the decision to face Uganda as deliberate and strategic, highlighting the She Cranes’ growing reputation on the world stage.
“Preparation is very vital if we are to do well at the upcoming Commonwealth Games. The last time the team was together was as early as February this year and I believe that the warm-up matches against Uganda will really do us good as we prepare ourselves for competition. As a team, we couldn’t have asked for a better opponent than Uganda,” she said.
Van Dyk added that recent encounters between the two sides, including at the last Commonwealth Games and the 2023 Netball World Cup, showed just how competitive Uganda has become.
On the Ugandan side, the series offers a valuable opportunity for the team to fine-tune combinations and test itself against one of Africa’s strongest netball nations before heading to Scotland.
Uganda national netball team are expected to arrive in South Africa on July 12, 2026, ahead of the three-match series.
The matches will be played behind closed doors as both teams focus on tactical preparation rather than competitive exposure.
Netball South Africa president Mami Diale said Uganda was selected due to the intensity and quality they bring to the game.
She added that facing top opposition like Uganda is essential for South Africa’s ambitions in Glasgow, saying stronger opponents help sharpen performance ahead of major tournaments.
The She Cranes has been training at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, ahead of the Glasgow Games.
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