Uganda Rugby Union appreciates contribution to Lady Cranes Africa 7s journey

Uganda Rugby Union (URU) has enlisted several names of individuals who generous contributed to the travel expenses of the national Lady Cranes VII team, Harare bound for the women’s Rugby Africa 7s.

The team has been facing financial constraints and to mitigate this problem, team coach Helen Buteme and in conjunction with other colleagues came up with a fundraising drive to enable the team make the journey.

In a message for those who gave in some money in a bid to help the outfit meet their financial obligations, URU expressed their gratitude on their social media platform, Facebook, saying they “would like to thank the great Rugby lovers and supporters for the love and support shown..”

Despite other challenges like below par training conditions, Helen still believes her side can come out with a decent performance following their triumph at the Prinsloo 7s in Kenya.

“We have been working hard to iron out the weaknesses and focus on the strengths to finish in a respectable position,” she told Daily Monitor.

Uganda has been drawn in Pool A alongside Kenya, Madagascar and Tunisia with a slot  available for the winners in next year’s World Rugby Women Series qualifiers.

Pool B has South Africa, Namibia, Senegal and Zimbabwe. The Lady Cranes made top two in Africa seven years ago, a feat that saw them qualify for the 2009 World Rugby Cup Sevens in Dubai.

Team travelling

1. Aisha Nakityo Nabulime (Thunderbirds)
2. Brenda Violet Kayiyi (Black Panthers)
3. Charlotte Thereza Mudoola (Black Panthers) – Assistant captain
4. Emmanuela Oroma (Walukuba Titans) – Captain
5.Gilder Azikuru (Walukuba Titans)
6. Grace Auma (Walukuba Titans)
7. Harriet Kayonjo (Thunderbirds)
8. Juliet Nandawula (Entebbe Sharks)
9. Peace Mirembe (Entebbe Sharks)
10. Peace Wokorach (Walukuba Titans)
11. Phionah Nalubwama (Thunderbirds)
12. Samiya Ayikoru (Thunderbirds)