Lady cricket Cranes during flag off. Eddie Chicco photo
The Uganda Women National Cricket team, the Lady Cricket Cranes, have been flagged off for the Kwibuka T20 Tournament in Rwanda.
Uganda returns to Rwanda for the annual genocide tourney and have taken part in every edition which was first organised in 2014 in remembrance of the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
It was not organised last year due to Covid19.
Flagged off by NCS Assistant General Secretary David Katende, the team will fly out on Thursday June 3, quarantine for a day before playing their first game against Botswana June 6.
Just like the 2019 edition, the matches will be given international status and will count towards teams’ and individuals rankings in as per ICC charts.
Uganda is currently ranked 18th in the latest ICC T20I rankings.
Team captain Naomi Kayondo briefly commeted: “We promise to work hard in Rwanda, the covid pandemic has taken us through a lot. It has been months of hard work and we want to return as champions.
Uganda will fancy themselves going to Rwanda having won two editions in 2014 and 2016, after 2019 champions pulled out.
Besides hosts Rwanda, the Cranes will lock horns with three time winners Kenya, and three debutants Botswana, Nigeria and Namibia.
Unfortunately, new coach Suraj Karavadra is expected to miss the trip as he is still sick. Development Manager Davis Turinawe will take over the mantle.
The 2017 African Champions will mainly use the tournament to prepare for the T20 World Cup Qualifiers in September.
Travelling Squad
Players: Kevin Awino, Damalie Busingye, Rachael Ntono, Proscovia Alako, Rita Musamali, Naomi Kayondo, Stephanie Nampiina, Immaculate Nakisuyi, Janet Mbabazi, Consy Aweko, Irene Alumo, Mary Akello, Evelyn Anyipo, Gloria Obukor, Shakira Sadick, Patricia Malemikia, Rachael Acan, Eunice Kobusingye, Teddy Ayella, Esther Ilukor
