Home advantage was one of the key things that helped the Lady Cranes qualify for the past edition of the women’s 7’s world cup in Dubai three years ago.
The Ugandan rugby national side relied on home support at Kyadondo grounds as they, along with South Africa squeezed through to represent the continent at the fifth edition of the global event.
It will not be similar fashion as they take on Cameroon, Senegal and Zimbabwe in their pool D fixtures at the
Stade de FUS away in Moroccan capital of Rabat today. “This calls for hard work away from home,” Helen Buteme, the team captain told Kawowo Sports.
But Buteme argues that six other teams other than hosts Morocco are away from home just like them. “They (six countries) are also disadvantaged like us and this brews hopes of progress. We will fight to the last man.”
During the 2008 qualifiers, Uganda finished second and qualified despite losing to South Africa 24-00. The team had eliminated North Africans 7-0 in the semifinals. Only six players who were part of the Dubai including Buteme travelled to Morocco on Wednesday and their experience will count as the Lady Cranes seek a second straight appearance at the world stage. Only one team can join South Africa to Moscow.
Pool C – Morocco (hosts), Kenya, Tunisia and Zambia
Pool D – Uganda, Cameroon, Zimbabwe and Senegal
Email: allan@kawowo.com, Twitter: @AllanDarren