U-19 girls ready to retain regional cricket title – coach

The Under 19 girls’ national cricket team pose for a group photo with NCS’ Aligawesa (2R) yesterday. Photo by Eddie Chicco

KAMPALA-The U-19 girls’ national cricket team leaves for Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, with head coach Habibu Mugalula a lot more expectant that the team will successfully defend the ICC Africa cricket title.

“After more than two months of intense training, the girls are ready to tackle the task ahead,” Mugalula told Daily Monitor yesterday after the 16-man contingent was flagged off for the December 7-9 showpiece by National Council of Sports general secretary Jasper Aligawesa in Kampala.
Last year, having struggled with an unbalanced bowling unit, hosts Uganda sneaked to the title after piping Botswana on Net Run Rate. But for now, that is the least of Mugalula’s worries.

“There is balance in all departments which makes it hard for our opponents to narrow down to our weak points,” Mugalula added.
All rounder Janet Mbabazi, who was part of last year’s winning team together with eight others, will lead the team that aims to overcome hosts Tanzania, Mozambique, Rwanda and Kenya in the round-robin event.

“The love for the game and cohesion in the team will help us return from Tanzania with the trophy,” Mbabazi said. “It is also key to note that since last year’s edition, we have had a lot more exposure.”

2012 Uspa best female cricketer, Mary Nalule was Uganda’s best bowler at the ICC Africa Women’s event last year whereas wicket keeper Kevin Awino and Prico Nakitende have been Tornado’s mainstays this year.

TEAM UGANDA
PLAYERS: Janet Mbabazi (Captain), Damalie Busingye (Asst. captain), Patricia Busingye, Prico Nakitende, Racheal Ntono, Saidat Kemigisha, Immaculate Nakisuuyi, Irene Katusiime, Barbara Nabirye, Jane Baluka, Kevin Awino, Sadique Shakira, Patricia Munguryek and Mary Nalule.
OFFICIALS: Habibu Mugalula (Coach), Gertrude Namulondo (Team Manager)