The Uganda Lady Cranes 7s have entered their final stretch of preparations for the Rugby Africa Women’s 7s Tournament, with head coach Charles Onen Cyphus emphasizing defensive improvements as the team eyes the continent’s single qualification slot.
After a demanding Safari 7s campaign and a grueling 16-hour journey back home, the squad regrouped in Kampala with renewed energy and a clear mission.
“The preparations are great. We resumed yesterday and today the girls are picking up shape,” said Onen.
“They had a bit of rest from the long journey, and now they’re getting their momentum back as we gear up for the Africa Cup, which is a very critical tournament for us.”
The technical team has trimmed the squad to 18 players, most of whom have been regulars in recent camps.
The group includes captain Peace Lekuru, returning to the fold alongside Samiya Ayikoru in what Onen described as a big boost.
“We welcome Peace Lekuru back onto the squad. She’s a fighter who always gives her best and provides leadership on the pitch,” Onen noted. “Her being back is exciting for the team and for the nation.”
Training sessions at the ongoing camp are heavily focused on tightening defense, an area Onen identified as a weak spot during the Safari 7s.
“We’re working on areas we didn’t perform well in, especially our defense. At times we failed to execute our structures properly, and that’s something we must fix before the tournament,” he explained.
Alongside defensive drills, the Lady Cranes are sharpening their attack from set pieces and breakdowns, aiming for a more balanced performance when they take on continental rivals such as South Africa, Kenya, Tunisia, Madagascar, and Zimbabwe.
Uganda has been placed in Pool C alongside Zambia and Burkina Faso, setting up a challenging but manageable group as they chase Africa’s top honor.
