Chawane embraces rivalry with Uganda ahead of Commonwealth Games

The Proteas have been drawn in a tough Group A alongside Uganda, Northern Ireland, Tonga, England, and Australia for the Games, which will be held in Glasgow from 23 July to 2 August.

Uganda will arrive in South Africa on 12 July for a three-match warm-up series against the Proteas, with all matches to be played behind closed doors.

The She Cranes have become one of South Africa's biggest rivals after defeating the Proteas at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and again at the 2023 Netball World Cup on South African soil.

Chawane admitted Uganda always seems to lift its game whenever the two African powerhouses meet.

"Every time we face Uganda it's after the disappointment of not making the semi-finals. We worked for a spot in the semi, but then we didn't get that and then we have to play Uganda in a 5th/6th playoff game. It's not like we can't beat them but we have played against them before after disappointment."

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The 30-year-old centre, who will captain the 12-player South African squad in Glasgow, is confident the Proteas can turn the tables this time around.

She believes the three warm-up matches against Uganda will expose areas that need improvement and ensure the team is ready for the challenges awaiting them at the Commonwealth Games. 

Despite the fierce rivalry, Chawane wished the She Cranes well ahead of the Games and hopes both teams will proudly represent Africa on the international stage.