Uganda’s Lady Cranes 7s have made four changes to the squad that played at the Safari 7s as they head to the Rugby Africa Women’s 7s.
Captain Peace Lekuru is back to the team after resting from the National 7s series. She is joined by fellow Avengers RFC teammates Fazira Namukwaya and Juliet Nandawula, who missed out on the Safari 7s for similar reasons.
Additionally, Nile Rapids RFC speedster, Unity Namulala, is back on the team to provide some width on the flanks.
Coach Charles Onen has stuck with the combinations that worked on the last outing for the Lady Cranes.
The forwards pack of Suzan Adong, Gertrude Kateesa and Lydia Namabiro has been maintained, while receiving cover from an out-and-out forward like Namukwaya.
The halfback department has received a boost with the return of Nandawula into the fold.
Mastula Namboozo and Tina Akello are the preferred pair at halfback, but they have the privilege of enjoying the cover of a young, talented player like Bushira Namutebi, whose kicking abilities definitely come in handy in the 7s game.
With the return of Lekuru and retention of Grace Nabaggala, Uganda’s midfield is in good hands. Both ladies have strong ball-carrying abilities, are able to spot the gaps in defence, and aren’t afraid to take on contact in attack and defence.
Uganda’s not-so-secret weapon, Lydia Namabiro, showed that she’s still at her very best form despite returning from injury and not competing on the local scene in the National 7s. She was the Top Try & Points Scorer at the recently concluded Safari 7s, while at last year’s Rugby Africa Women’s 7s, she shared the Top Try Scorer with two other players.
Squad
Suzan Adong, Gertrude Kateesa, Lydia Namabiro, Racheal Mufuwa, Peace Lekuru (Captain), Fazira Namukwaya, Grace Nabaggala, Tina Akello (VC), Bushira Namutebi, Mastula Namboozo, Unity Namulala, Juliet Nandawula