Uganda women’s junior cricket team, Baby Victoria Pearls are set to compete against seven other teams in a bid to secure Africa’s spot at the 2025 U-19 World Cup in Malaysia.
Uganda is placed in Group A alongside hosts Rwanda, Namibia, and Kenya for the tournament, which will run from September 20th to 30th.
Having finished fourth in the 2022 qualifiers held in Botswana, the team is determined to improve their fortunes this time around in Rwanda.
The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals, with the overall winner earning a ticket to represent Africa at the World Cup.
The Baby Victoria Pearls squad features seven players who participated in the Botswana qualifiers, bringing valuable experience to the team.
Key players include Lorna Anyait, Malisa Ariokot, Immaculate Nandera, Patricia Timong, Asumin Akurut, and captain Jimia Mohammad, all of whom have also represented the senior Victoria Pearls.
Head coach Yusuf Nanga is confident about the team’s preparations, stating, “We have had sufficient time to prepare the girls and be champions. We expect stiff competition from all the teams, but as long as we execute our game plan, we should do well. The goal for us is to go to the World Cup.”
The Baby Victoria Pearls will travel to Rwanda on Friday, September 20th, with their opening game set for September 22nd against Namibia.
Team Roster:
Captain: Jimia Mohammad
Players: 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
Team Officials:
Head Coach: Yusuf Nanga
Assistant Coach: Ivan Kakande
Physiotherapist: Tugume Imam
Team Analyst: Richard Okia
Media Manager: Denis Musali
Team Manager: Lelia Namaganda Ondeko
Match Fixtures:
22/09/2024 – Uganda vs Namibia, Gahanga 2, 14:50
23/09/2024 – Uganda vs Kenya, IPRC, 10:30
25/09/2024 – Uganda vs Rwanda, IPRC, 14:50
28/09/2024 – Semifinal
29/09/2024 – Final
