Uganda Victoria Vixens win Safaricom Sevens
Victoria Vixens captain Afusa Munaba hoists the Safaricom Sevens U-19 girls trophy with her teammates jubilating. photo by A. BABIRYE
What you need to know:
Rugby. The individual award was scooped by Ugandan’s Emily Lekuru who top scored with seven tries. The long-legged starlet literally ran to the try line for fun throughout.
NAIROBI.
Having trained together for only three days before departing for Kenya, few expected the National Under-19 Girls Sevens side codenamed Victoria Vixens to create a media frenzy.
But the Ugandan girls held the bull by its horns, defeating Kenyan outfit Comras 14-0 to emerge champions of the inaugural Safaricom Sevens girls final held at Moi International Stadium, Kasarani on Friday.
Ritah Najjumba and Juliet Nandawula touched down in the tense final as Uganda completed a flawless campaign during which they never conceded a single point in five games.
Throughout the two-day girls event, the Ugandans showcased impeccable ball-handling and their clever running was a marvel to watch.
Assistant coach Brenda Kayiyi, who took charge of the newly-formed side in the absence of Allan Musoke, was elated by the girls display and singled out competition for places in the side as the catalyst for wholesome superb individual shifts.
“It was hard for me to choose the starting seven,” confessed Kayiyi, also the Lady Cranes captain.
“I let the girls know that they are equally good and whoever was selected was anxious to impress. That worked out well for me and helped us win the trophy.” The individual award were scooped by Ugandans as Emily Lekuru ran the show as she top scored with seven tries. The long-legged starlet left opponents battered as she raced to the try line literally for fun.
It was no surprise that her teammates always looked to pass the ball to her as soon as they regained possession.
Earning praise
Back in Kampala, the victory went viral on the social media with coach Musoke joining the bandwagon.
“This bunch of ladies is truly amazing. Congratulations to the Victoria Vixens. Proud Coach!” Musoke posted on his twitter account.
Mary Ochieng, a Kenyan female coach, who pushed for the inclusion of the category in this year’s Safaricom Sevens hailed Uganda Rugby Union (URU) for promoting women rugby in Uganda.
“This is a platform for the next generation of players,” said Ochieng.
“Women rugby has been neglected in the past and its time it regained the recognition it had back in the days.”
