The Kenya women’s national netball team is set to begin its campaign at the inaugural UAE Netball Cup on Sunday, June 15, at the Al Nasr Sports Hall in Dubai.
The team will have just one rest day during the six-day tournament as they chase crucial ranking points toward qualification for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Speaking during training at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi on Thursday, assistant coach Everline Jerono expressed confidence in the team’s form and morale.
“We’re excited and ready. Just like in Singapore last year, we’re going for the win. This is another historic tournament, and we want to make our mark,” she said.
According to the Kenya Netball Federation (KNF), the team departs Nairobi on June 12 and will have two days to acclimate before facing their first opponent, Namibia, on June 15. Namibia is ranked 18th globally, while Kenya sits at 25th.
Kenya will then face Singapore on June 16 — a familiar rival they beat in last year’s MIRXES Nations Cup final — followed by a tough clash with the USA on June 17.
After a rest day on June 18, Kenya will return to action against hosts UAE (ranked 23rd) on June 19 and wrap up group play against Ireland (ranked 28th) on June 20.
Final classification matches will take place on Saturday, June 21, with Kenya hoping to reach the gold medal match at 4:00 pm local time.
Assistant captain Hellen Sinoya voiced her determination: “It’s a tough schedule, but we’re prepared to fight and bring the title home, just like we did in Singapore.”
