Uganda national senior women’s cricket team, Victoria Pearls, were Tuesday morning flagged off for the 2022 edition of the Kwibuka Invitational tournament in Kigali, Rwanda.
The travelling team of 14 players and four officials was flagged off by the National Council of Sports (NCS) assistant General secretary David Katende.
The Victoria Pearls return to the tournament after withdrawing from the 2021 edition at the eleventh hour after being hit by the Coronavirus pandemic. But the team has been part of the Kwibuka since its inception in 2014.
The Pearls return to this year’s edition at the back of a successful tour of Nepal where they were defeated the hosts 3-2. This victory moved them to the 19th position from the 21st in the World rankings.
There are only two changes from the side that travelled to Nepal with Franklin Najjumba and Ritah Nyagendo missing out with their replacements being Gloria Obukor and Naomi Kayondo.
Obukor was the best batter in the Women’s T20 league and her inclusion is no surprise. Consy Aweko and Janet Mbabazi will be the captain and Vice Captain respectively.
The 2022 edition of the Kwibuka has attracted two newcomers; Germany from Europe and Brazil from the Americas region. There are eight nations in the event that include hosts Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Botswana, Nigeria, Brazil, German and defending champions Kenya.
Janet Mbabazi who has been in prolific form for the Victoria Pearls this year will be one of the key players for Uganda as they look to pickup their third title. Senior players Ritah Musamali and Kevin Awino were also in good touch in Nepal and they will also be required to put in a good shift.
The team leaves today in the afternoon aboard RwandAir. The challenge is scheduled for 9th – 18th June 2022.
The travelling team (Players)
Consy Nimungu Aweko (Captain), Janet Mbabazi (Vice captain), Kevin Awino, Ritah Musamali, Patricia Malemikia, Phiona Egaru Kulume, Sarah Akiteng, Susan Kakai, Naomi Kayondo, Gloria Obukor, Leona Mirembe Babirye, Evelyn Anyipo, Shakirah Sadick, Sarah Walaza
Officials
Laurence Ssematimba (Head coach), Laurence Ssempijja (Assistant Coach), Imam Tugume (Team Physiotherapist), Ritah Tinka (Team manager).
