The Kenya national women’s netball team, the Divas, head coach Mugusha Ali is bullish that his charges can go all the way at the inaugural United Arab Emirates (UAE) Netball Cup slated for June 15–21 in Dubai.
The invitational event, which doubles up as a qualifier for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, has attracted six nations ranked between 18th and 30th in the world.
The teams include: hosts UAE, USA, Republic of Ireland, Singapore, Kenya and Namibia. Currently ranked 25th globally, Kenya will be chasing not just victory but valuable ranking points in their bid to secure a place for the Glasgow showpiece.
Head coach Ali, who has been at the helm for three years, underscored the significance of the Dubai tournament. “This event is crucial as it acts as a build-up to the Commonwealth Games qualifiers. We have to keep pushing to secure as many points as possible," he said.
Confident in the squad’s preparations, the tactician believes his charges are primed for a strong showing. "I have seen the level of form amongst the girls, I can say we will get good results in Dubai. We are not only eyeing victory but also aiming to cement our status as a rising force in international netball," he added.
Team captain Perin Simiyu echoed her coach’s optimism, crediting improved training conditions for their enhanced readiness. “With the support we’ve received from the government, we’re confident and ready to battle it out. The girls have been working hard in their training at the Ulinzi Complex Indoor Arena."
"This has helped us adapt to indoor play, unlike before, when we trained in the outdoor grounds and went on to play indoors during international matches,” Simiyu said.
The veteran skipper emphasised that the primary goal remains securing enough ranking points to qualify for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Meanwhile, sharp-shooting goal attacker Hellen Sinoya hailed the vibrant energy coursing through the team’s camp, pointing to the impact of young blood in the squad.
“The spirit is high during training. The younger players who have joined the team are eager to prove themselves, which is a great sign for continuity,” said Sinoya.
Kenya Netball Federation (KNF) Secretary General, Millicent Busolo, confirmed that the UAE tournament is just the beginning of a busy international calendar for the Divas, with upcoming engagements planned in Malawi, Zimbabwe and Trinidad and Tobago as part of their roadmap to Glasgow 2026.
