The Ugandan national women’s cricket team, the Baby Victoria Pearls, departed for Kigali, Rwanda, on Wednesday morning to compete in the U19 Africa Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifiers.
The tournament, scheduled to take place from September 20 to 30, 2024, offers the Pearls a chance to secure one of the coveted spots in the 2025 U-19 World Cup in Malaysia.
Head coach Yusuf Nanga expressed confidence in his team’s preparedness, highlighting their extensive training and preparation.
“The team has prepared very well,” he stated. “We have had sufficient time to prepare the girls and be champions.”
While acknowledging the tough competition ahead, Nanga emphasized the team’s determination to achieve their goal of qualifying for the World Cup.
Uganda’s journey in Group A will begin on Sunday, September 22, against tournament favourites Namibia.
They will then face Kenya on Tuesday before concluding their group-stage matches against hosts Rwanda on Wednesday, September 25.
Jimia Mohamed, who led the team in the previous edition in Botswana, will once again captain the Baby Victoria Pearls.
The full squad and coaching staff are as follows:
Team: Jimia Mohammad (Captain), Malisa Ariokot, Lona Anyait, Patricia Timong, Shadiah Gilingish Nabulime, Rashidah Tikabula, Irene Mutonyi, Immaculate Nandera, Mary Patricia Apolot, Asumin Akurut, Jane Naume Amongin, Michelle Ariago, Agnes Nakakande, Barbra Nanyanzi.
Officials: Yusuf Nanga (Head Coach), Ivan Kakande (Assistant Coach), Tugume Imam (Physiotherapist), Richard Okia (Team Analyst), Denis Musali (Media Manager), Lelia Namaganda Ondeko (Team Manager).
