A year ago, Sarah Walaza took time off the game to have her child, and a year later, she has worked herself back to full fitness and will be part of the Victoria Pearls team to Namibia for the Capricorn Series.
Walaza had established herself in the side as a bowling all-rounder, but when an opportunity to start a family came, she was supported by Cricket Uganda to have her child. She returned to training with the side in April, and clearly, the new bundle of joy never slowed her down but gave her a new reason to keep playing.
Walaza makes the squad of 14 for the series that will feature hosts Namibia, Hong Kong and East Africans, Tanzania.
Her control in the middle overs with the ball will be critical, and her agility in the field will also add value to the side. Walaza’s inclusion in the side means that Kevin Amuge, who had enjoyed a good run, had to miss out on the final selection.
The core of the side remains the same, with Janet Mbabazi as Captain, and she will be deputised by Rita Musamali.
The engine room of Stephanie Nampiina, Immaculate Nakisuyi, Esther Iluko, and Proscovia Alako makes the cut, and amongst them, the team will be counting on them for runs.
The youngsters Malisa Ariokot, Irene Mutonyi and Jimia Abdallah get a nod with an eye on the upcoming U-19 World Cup Qualifiers in mind. The experience for them at this level will be beneficial for them with the all-important qualifiers coming up in August in Tanzania.
Phiona Kulume had fallen out of favour, but those who got in ahead of her never took their opportunities with both hands, which means after some committed performances, she is back in the side for the series.
Kevin Awino misses out after a long run in the side, which means that Esther Iloku and Jimia Abdallah will keep wickets during the series. A brave decision from the coaches to leave out Awino, who is a better keeper than both, but the other two edge her out with the bat.
Photo by: Pankaj Nangia / CREIMAS
Consy Aweko and Sarah Akiteng will have the responsibility of the slow bowling options, with the backup from Immaculate Nakisuyi and Stephanie Nampiina if required.
It is a big series for the Victoria Pearls in the context of their calendar this year; they haven’t had a lot of engagements internationally, and this is a chance for them to score some points against some of the heavyweights in the women’s game.
Uganda will pitch up in Windhoek with a reputation to protect because of being the highest-ranked team in the series, but importantly, they must score some points of their own with wins.
Victoria Pearls Full Squad:
Janet Mbabazi (C), Rita Musamali (VC), Stephanie Nampiina, Immaculate Nakisuyi, Consy Aweko, Sarah Akiteng, Proscovia Alako, Esther Iloku, Jimia Abdallah, Irene Mutonyi, Phiona Kulume, Malisa Ariokot, Sarah Walaza.
