The Baby Victoria Pearls, Uganda’s under-19 women’s cricket team, are set to embark on a quest for glory at the 2024 ICC Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup Qualifier Africa in Kigali, Rwanda.
The tournament, scheduled to run from September 20th to 30th, will see eight teams battle it out for the sole African spot at the global event in Malaysia next year.
The Baby Victoria Pearls, who finished fourth at the 2022 qualifiers in Botswana, are determined to improve on their previous performance.
The team, which includes several experienced players from the senior Victoria Pearls squad, has been diligently preparing for the challenge ahead.
Head Coach Yusuf Nanga expressed confidence in his team’s ability to secure a place at the World Cup.
“The team has prepared very well, we have had sufficient time to prepare the girls and be champions,” he said. “We expect stiff competition from all the teams, but as long as we do what we have to do well, we should do well.”
The Baby Victoria Pearls will kick off their campaign on September 22nd against Namibia at the Gahanga 2 ground.
Their journey to the World Cup will also see them face Kenya and hosts Rwanda in the group stage.
The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals, with the winner of the final earning the right to represent Africa at the U-19 T20 World Cup.
The team’s squad features a blend of youth and experience, with several players having previously represented Uganda at the senior level.
Full Squad:
Jimia Mohammad (Captain), Malisa Ariokot, Lona Anyait, Patricia Timong, Shadiah Gilingish Nabulime, Rashidah Tikabula, Irene Mutonyi, Immaculate Nandera, Mary Patricia Apolot, Asumin Akurut, Jane Naume Amongin, Michelle Ariago, Agnes Nakakande, Barbra Nanyanzi
Officials:
Yusuf Nanga (Head Coach), Ivan Kakande (Assistant Coach), Tugume Imam (Physiotherapist), Richard Okia (Team Analyst), Denis Musali (Media Manager), Lelia Namaganda Ondeko (Team Manager).
