Victoria Pearls will be chasing glory on two fronts in 2024, first will be the Gold Medal at the African Games in Ghana next month and then a World Cup place at the T20 Global World Cup Qualifiers in Dubai in April.
The training squad are taking their preparations to the ICWC Omtex Academy in India. Lawrence Ssematimba will be working with Deus Muhumuza for the 2024 international season for the Victoria Pearls, a combo that has been trusted to bring success for the girls, emulate the Cricket Cranes and qualify for the World Cup.
The change on the technical bench has come with some changes in the playing staff as well. Patricia Malemikia, Irene Alumo and Proscovia Alako made way for Immaculate Nandera, Sarah Walaza, Phiona Khulume and Gloria Obukor from the successful squad in December. Immaculate Nandera a left-arm medium pacer was promoted from the U-19 team and brings a different attacking dimension if required by the team.
The team of 15 will spend 12 days in India training as well as playing some practice games, they are fortunate enough that the Zimbabwe ladies will also be at the same academy and therefore will play at least four T20 games against them.
Zimbabwe and Uganda are in the same group for the African Games in Ghana and are both Africa’s representatives at the T20 Global Qualifiers in Dubai.
There will be little time to rest for the Victoria Pearls on return from India with just two days rest before they head to Ghana for the African games. The tour will run from Feb 21st – March 3rd.
The Team: Consy Aweko (Captain), Janet Mbabazi, Kevin Awino, Immaculate Nakisuyi, Rita Musamali, Stephanie Nampiina, Evelyn Anyipo, Sarah Akiteng, Marisa Ariokot, Lorna Anyait, Phiona Khulume, Gloria Obukor, Sarah Walaza, Esther Iloku, Immaculate Nandera
Officials: Lawrence Ssematimba (Head Coach), Deusdedit Muhumuza (Assistant Coach), Imam Tugume (Physiotherapist), Richard Okia (Team Analyst), Rita Tinka (Team Manager).
