Lady Cranes chase World Cup slot

By Johnson Were

World Cup Qualifier

South Africa v Uganda

LADY Rugby Cranes prop Christine Kizito is excited by the high level of confidence ahead of a crucial World Cup game today.

Kizito's team will face hosts South Africa in the final qualifier ahead of the 2014 World Cup in France. The game will be held in South Africa's town of East London.

The team was expected at the match venue last evening after landing at the Johannesburg airport.

"I can assure you that the girls are focused and are in high spirits," Kizito the most experienced member of the team said after arriving in Johannesburg said. She added, "We shall give the game our best."

Kizito will link up with Helen Buteme, Asha Nakityo, Brenda Kayiyi and Charlotte Mudoola for success.

Josephine Namayega, Evelyn Aweku, Aaliyah Adaniah, Fortunate Irankunda and team captain Joan Nambirige Ssenfuka are also ready for battle.

Coach Brian Makalama and assistant Anthony Kinene must emphasise the issue of missed tackles.

The team also has to tackle the South Africans hard because they are so swift with the ball. Uganda eliminated Kenya 30-26 on aggregate to qualify for the game against South Africa. A win will grant Uganda a place at the 2014 World Cup in France.

Uganda competed for the first time at the global stage during the 2009 7s World Cup in Dubai.

Nine teams have so far qualified for the event in France. They are defending champions New Zealand, 2010 runners-up England, Australia, USA, Canada, Ireland, Wales, Spain, and Samoa. They joined hosts France.

Uganda's team: E. Aweku, A. Adaniah, F. Irankunda, C. Mudoola, H. Buteme, J. Nambirige, H. Gizamba, I. Namapii, A. Nakityo, M. Choita, C. Kizito, S. Kyalikunda, R. Kanyunyuzi, B. Kayiyi, B. Atim, C. Anena, P. Nalubwama, J. Namayega, C. Atimango, H. Kayongo, M. Tino, D. Namutebi and H. Namuyanja

Meanwhile, the National 7s Circuit will kick off at the Legends Kampala Rugby today.

The four-leg tournament will also have games at Makerere, Kyadondo and for the first time in Mbarara. The tournament will be used as national team build up ahead of the Safaricom 7s competition scheduled for September 20-22 in Nairobi.