Peace Proscovia has reminded the national netball team, She Cranes, that they will be the team to beat the Africa Netball Championships in Lusaka, Zambia.

The reigning African champions were flagged off by the National Council of Sports (NCS) acting general secretary Dr Patrick Bernard Ogwel on Wednesday.

The captain used the moment to rally her teammates towards the ultimate goal of retaining the title they won at the Lugogo MTN Arena last year.

“When you get to the top, the force of gravity to pull you down is strong,” Proscovia said at the ceremony held at NCS offices in Lugogo and attended by media.

“Remember, we have always made this country proud and as usual, we shall hold the flag high,” the England-based Goal-Shooter added.

The tournament runs from August 13-18 and will also have the Africa Netball Congress held around the same time.

Dr, Ogwel, flanked by She Cranes’ team manager Jocelyn Ucanda, noted that government through NCS has funded the trip 100%.

“I am very happy with the preparation levels that this team has undergone. Government is committed to creating an enabling environment and funding,” noted Dr Ogwel.

NCS commended the Uganda Netball Federation (UNF) for taking the She Cranes on regional tours across the country as that will inspire young players to take up the sport at the grassroots.

The bulk of the side is the same as the one that represented Uganda at the Netball World Cup in 2015 and the Commonwealth Games earlier this year.

SHE CRANES’ TEAM: Peace Proscovia (captain), Lilian Ajio, Betty Kizza, Mary Cholock, Ruth Meme, Muhayimuna Namuwaya, Halima Nakacwa, Joan Nampungu Stella Nafuka, Rachael Nanyonga, Sylvia Nanyonga, Stella Oyella

Coach: Vincent Kiwanuka

Assistant coach: Janet Nahamya

Team Manager: Jocelyn Ucanda

Logistics Officer: Yusuf Kamulegeya

Team Doctor: Stephen Norman

Media Attache: Emmanuel Sekago

Government Representative: Tom Pule