Ahead of the T20 Global Qualifiers in Abu Dhabi, the Victoria Pearls cricket team has today announced Janet Mbabazi as their new captain.
The tournament, slated from April 19th to May 2nd, will witness Mbabazi stepping up from her previous role as Vice Captain since 2017, replacing Consy Aweko. Rita Musamali will now serve as the team’s Vice Captain, adding depth to the leadership lineup.
“I am grateful that I have been appointed the Captain of the Victoria Pearls. It’s such an honor for me,” Mbabazi said, adding that: “I would also like to say thank you to Consy who has been our Captain. As a team, we are grateful for her time, and we had a lot to learn during her tenure.”
The final 15-member squad for the T20 Global Qualifiers sees only one change, with Proscovia Alako returning in place of Immaculate Nandera. The rest of the squad, having undergone rigorous training tours to India and Ghana, is ready to make their mark on the global stage.
Uganda finds itself in Group A, pitted against familiar foes Scotland and Thailand, alongside newcomers USA and Sri Lanka. While Uganda faced Thailand and Scotland in the 2018 Global Qualifiers, encounters with USA and Sri Lanka will mark a first-time experience. With a spot in the 2024 T20 Women’s World Cup in Bangladesh on the line, the pressure is on as the top teams in the group secure a path to the semifinals, with the finalists earning a coveted ticket to the global spectacle.
“We have experience playing in the global qualifiers and we understand the level but coming into the qualifiers in Abu Dhabi we have had a lot of time to prepare and we have had discussions about areas to improve on and have also set goals for ourselves,” Mbabazi noted.
The full team roster includes Janet Mbabazi (Captain), Rita Musamali (Vice Captain), Consy Aweko, Kevin Awino, Stephanie Nampiina, Immaculate Nakisuyi, Evelyn Anyipo, Sarah Akiteng, Phionah Khulume, Proscovia Alako, Gloria Obukor, Esther Iloku, Lorna Anyait, Malissa Ariokot, and Sarah Walaza.
Preparations are in full swing as the team gears up to depart Uganda on April 19th. Ahead of the group games starting on April 25th, the team will engage in two warm-up matches against Vanuatu and the UAE. Notably, Uganda will experience its first-ever night games against Scotland and Thailand, while clashes against USA and Sri Lanka are scheduled during the day.
The T20 Women’s Global Qualifiers schedule is as follows:
- 25/04/2024: Uganda W vs Scotland W at Tolerance Oval (Night)
- 27/04/2024: Uganda W vs USA W at ZCS (Day)
- 29/04/2024: Uganda W vs Thailand W at Tolerance Oval (Night)
- 01/05/2024: Uganda W vs Sri Lanka W at ZCS (Day)
