Road to Netherlands: As it stands so far for Lady Cricket Cranes

Women's ICC T20 World Cup Qualifiers

July-3-14

Netherlands

A moment in the sun at the Women's ICC T20 World Cup qualifiers in July, Netherlands will not come on the cheap for the Lady Cricket Cranes.

The most obvious reason dwells in the fact that this is a global showpiece - a convergence of Cricket super powers!

Uganda will line up against Bangladesh, Ireland, Papua New Guinea, Scotland, Netherland, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates.

The Ugandan ladies enjoyed some "firsts" in international glory last year with winning the Women's Africa T20 World Cup qualifier in Namibia being the main highlight. It was as well their first time to win it, earning them a ticket to the global qualifiers.

Now, they are strangers at the world stage with the fear of the unknown looming. Conversely, they have thrived where the odds have been stacked against them; a quick reminder is of course the Africa qualifier that had natural contenders Zimbabwe.

It goes without mention that the team greatly understands the magnitude of the global contest and to this effect, a vigorous training campaign kicked off earlier this year at Lugogo _ the home of Ugandan Tennis.

The progressive trend of the preparations ahead of the Namibia job saw them travel to Tanzania in January for a series of pick-up games. It was a success story for Francis Othieno's high flying girls who made light work of the hosts.

Fast forward, this week on Monday, twenty players were selected to continue shaping up;

Kevin Awino (captain) Janet Mbabazi (ass captain), Immaculate Nakisuyi, Mary Nalule,Saidat Kemigisha, Franklyn Najjumba, Rachael Ntono, Consy Aweko, Rita Musamali, Mary Apio, Gertrude Chandiru,Irene Alumo, Carol Namugenyi, Evelyn Anyipo, Stephanie Nampiina, Esther Ilukor, Claire Mushakamba, Sarah Walaza, Pricco Nakitende and Mackenzie Ayato.

It remains to be seen whether Kevin Awino and Co will come good and disrupt the establishment at the frighteningly challenging world stage. But one thing for sure is they are all out to give a good fight!