Uganda has kickstarted its preparations for the upcoming U-19 girls cricket qualifiers, slated for August 2024 in Kigali, Rwanda. The cricketing nation has taken a proactive step by inviting 25 promising players to participate in a rigorous high-performance training camp held in Jinja.
The 10-day training camp serves as a crucial platform for talent identification and skill enhancement, drawing players selected from the recently concluded girls’ schools cricket week held in Soroti. From this pool of talented athletes, the most outstanding performers will be handpicked to form the training squad for the U-19 girls team, continuing their preparations for the qualifiers scheduled later this year in Kigali.
Overseen by U-19 Girls Head Coach Yusuf Nanga, along with Assistant Coach Ivan Kakande and East Enders Head Coach Sadam Oyaga, the camp aims not only to refine cricketing skills but also to foster camaraderie and team spirit among the players.
Reflecting on the talent showcased during the schools cricket week tournament in Soroti, Coach Yusuf Nanga expressed optimism about the players’ potential. “We saw a lot of talent at the schools cricket week tournament in Soroti, but unfortunately, we could only accommodate 25 players in this camp. However, we want to help the girls improve on their skills in all three aspects of the game,” remarked Nanga, emphasizing the holistic development of the players on and off the field.
The early preparations underscore Uganda’s aspirations to surpass its previous performance, having finished fourth in the 1st U-19 girls qualifiers held in Botswana in 2021. With Rwanda emerging victorious in the previous tournament, Uganda is determined to clinch a spot at the World Cup in Malaysia next year, representing the continent of Africa.
The 25 Selected Players:
Olila High School – Jimia Mohammad, Asumin Akurut, Lorna Anyait, Malisa Ariokot, Immaculate Nandera
Jinja SS: Asha Mukite, Hope Mbeiza, Rashida Tikabula, Erex Eronda, Leila Nalukenge
Masaka SS: Penina Natabo, Birungi Mukite, Agnes Nakakande, Hasifa Naula, Humairah Nakimbugwe
Lights SS: Patricia Timong, Patricia Apolot, Ariago Michelle
St John’s SS: Irene Mutonyi, Shadia Nabulime
Sacred Hearts: Beatrice Ayiko
Kilembe SS: Jolly Ithungu
Iganga SS: Ruth Mwanga
24; Annet Anume 25. Naume Amongin
