Kenya Divas out to claim 2026 Commonwealth Games spot
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Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 13.06.25. | 17:20
The Kenyan girls will hope to gather ranking points and enhance chances of qualifying for the Games
Kenya’s national women’s netball team, the Divas have expressed confidence in clinching the inaugural UAE Netball Cup in Dubai.
The tournament is critical as it could shape their journey to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
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The week-long invitational event, which runs from Sunday, 15 to Saturday, 21 June, doubles as a crucial Commonwealth Games qualifier.
The showpiece has drawn six nations ranked between 18th and 30th in the world: the United Arab Emirates, USA, the Republic of Ireland, Singapore, Kenya, and Namibia.
Currently ranked 25th globally, Kenya is banking on strong performances to climb the ladder and accumulate the much-needed points.
The team is under the guidance of Ugandan tactician Mugisha Ali, who has led the side for the past three years.
“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. I have seen the level of form among the girls, and 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,” Mugisha told Mozzart Sport.
The Divas had been training at the Ulinzi Complex indoor arena, a switch from previous outdoor sessions before leaving the country on Thursday.
According to goal defense, Sharon Simiyu, the change helped the players adjust better to the indoor conditions commonly found in global competitions.
“With the support we have received from the government, we are confident and ready to battle it out. Training indoors has helped us adapt more effectively. Our primary goal is to gather points that will qualify us for the 2026 Commonwealth Games,” Simiyu averred.
Prolific goal shooter Hellen Sinoya echoed Simiyu’s sentiments, noting that the team’s energy and morale are at an all-time high.
“The spirit is high during training. The younger players who’ve joined the team are eager to prove themselves, which is a great sign for continuity,” Sinoya said.
The Kenya Netball Federation Secretary General, Millicent Busolo, confirmed that the UAE Cup is just the beginning of a busy calendar for the Divas.
The team is also slated to participate in upcoming international tournaments in Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Trinidad & Tobago as part of their road to Glasgow.
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