Uganda Cricket Association has announced contracts for 12 players on the Victoria Pearls squad. The gesture is intended to ensure that the ladies commit more time to the game given other competing needs.
The life cycle of a female cricketer in Uganda has always been cut short after they leave education due to other life commitments. The ladies have always been put between a rock and a hard place when it came to choosing between their passion and life. Cricket has been losing players because it was an inevitable choice due to the lack of reward from the game.
The introduction of contracts guarantees some financial security which allows the girls to commit more time to the game.
The contracts will allow the core of the Victoria Pearls side to focus on preparation with their coach on a full-time basis as they prepare for a busy 2023.
The 12 players have been put into two categories A and B and the contracts will be reviewed annually.
Category A: 1. Consy Aweko, 2. Kevin Awino, 3. Janet Mbabazi, 4. Evelyn Anyipo, 5. Immaculate Nakisuyi, 6. Rita Musamali, 7. Sarah Akiteng.
Category B: 1. Stephanie Nampiina, 2. Irene Alumo, 3. Phiona Khulume, 4. Patricia Malemikia, 5. Gloria Obukor.
This move should help Victoria Pearls to be among the key teams at the T20 World Cup Qualifiers in South Africa in September.