Destination Tanzania as Lady Cricket Cranes gear up for Netherlands job

PIC: Part of the Senior Women National Cricket team travelling to Dar-es-Salaam to play six T20 games against Tanzania in their preparation for the ICC Global Women's World Cup Qualifiers scheduled to take place in Natherlands in July this Year. The team flagged off by UCA's martin Ondeko will fly to Tanzania on Saturday morning. By Mpalanyi Ssentongo

SPORTS | LADY CRICKET

By Kasozi Balikuddembe

KAMPALA - When the Lady Cricket Cranes conquered Africa last year in the ICC T20 Africa World Cup Qualifiers in Namibia, besides basking in adulation, the aftermath presented the need to maintain the new found status.

Fast forward Netherlands is calling for the global ICC T20 World Cup Qualifiers in July and it surely looks like there are no day-offs for Uganda who will be the sole African representative at the meet.

Now keeping in mind the tasking responsibility ahead of them, UCA has spelled out a vigorous build up programme for the rather brutal Lady Cricket Cranes.

The intensive training that started earlier this year goes without mention, but a tour to Tanzania will set the tone in their global qualifiers endeavors.

The need for such tours is clearly evident. We want to keep the girls engaged until the global meet. We want to tryout different approaches and identify what suits best for the team" said Francis Otieno, head coach of the team.

He made the comments during the official flag off of the team to Dares salaam, Tanzania Friday at NCS lugogo.

Six T20 games are lined up against Tanzania's national team with game one on Sunday.

The evergreen Gertrude Chandiru, who was MVP in Namibia will not travel for the tour because of other engagements but a strong cast led by skipper Kevin Awino is headed for what is expected to be a successful tour.

Players: Kevin Awino(captain), Janet Mbabazi (vice-captain), Mary Nalule, Rita Musamali, Irene Alumo, Franklyn Najjumba, Saidat Kemigisha, Consy Aweko, Stephanie Nampiina, Evelyn Anyipo, Immaculate Nakisuyi, Rachael Ntono, Claire Mushakamba, Esther Ilokur.

Reserves: Gloria Adubu, Dinah Adong

Officials: Francis Otieno (coach) Grace Mutyagaba(ass coach) Lydia Bakumpe (Manager), Mary Makumbi (head of delegation)