Coach Athiyo Muhammad has named up to four players to earn their first cap for Uganda against Kenya Lionesses in the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup.
Unity Namulala, Justin Anguchia, Gertrude Kateesa, and Shaine Babirye will make their senior 15s rugby debut for Uganda at the RFUEA Grounds. These four are a part of a 23-player matchday squad to take on Uganda’s eternal rugby nemesis on the opening day of the tournament.
The squad is largely stable, with familiar faces starting in their preferred positions. Leone Acen returns to the Uganda squad after suffering an injury on the last outing, while the trusted back row of Carbrine Kirabo, Suzan Adong and Angella Nanyonjo starts.
The center pairing of Peace Lekuru and Grace Nabaggala has become a staple for club and country, but they have a huge task ahead of them on Saturday. Kenya has named Faith Livoi and Janet Akello, seasoned Rugby 7s campaigners, in their midfield. Additionally, Livoi is a former forward who likes to carry the ball, something Lekuru and Nabaggala have to prepare for.
The experienced Juliet Nandawula starts at scrumhalf, with Bushira Namutebi completing the halfback pairing in her preferred 10 position, as opposed to center where she has played a few games.
As expected, Mastula Namboozo, being the only out-and-out fullback, starts in the back three alongside the experienced Christine Akello and debutant Namulala.
On the bench, coach Athiyo has prepared a bomb squad of big ball careers like Yvonne Najjuma and Hellen Acanit to see out the game. Phionah Nantogo appears to be deployed in the loose-forwards, but she is versatile enough to cover hooker as well.
All the backs on the bench will be debutants, with Anguchia named as a replacement halfback for a player who has played the whole season at centre for the Nile Rapids. Shaine Babirye is the other halfback option on the bench who can also cover the fullback position.