The Victoria Pearls will be seeking a third Kwibuka title as they head to Kigali for the annual Women’s tournament. The Victoria Pearls have won back-to-back international tournaments that include the Victoria Series in Kampala and the Capricorn Eagles Series in Namibia.
The Victoria Pearls has some changes from the side that won the last series in Namibia. The new players in the squad are Lorna Anyait, Malisa Ariokot, and Jimia Mohammad all of whom were part of the U-19 girls team last year. Jimia Muhammad made her senior debut last year on the tour to Namibia while Lorna Anyait and Malissa Ariokot will be making their senior debuts. Gloria Obukor, Sarah Akiteng, and Esther Iloku make way for the trio, and the changes are mostly enforced to give the youngsters international exposure at the tournament.
The Victoria Pearls have won the Kwibuka tournament twice (2014& 2016). The tournament will have four other nations which include hosts Rwanda, Nigeria, Botswana, and Kenya. Uganda is the highest ranked team in the tournament at 19th in the World which makes them the favorites for the tournament. Kwibuka record winners Kenya are ranked 23rd, hosts Rwanda 26th, Nigeria 29th and Botswana 41st. This will be the sixth time Uganda has been at the Kwibuka tournament since its inception.
The tournament will run from June 8th 18th and will have T20 international status. The teams will play a single round robin with the top two sides meeting in the final. The games will be played at the iconic Gahanga Cricket Oval and at the IPRC ground.
The action will be available on a live stream on the Rwanda Cricket Association website.
The Final 14: Consy Aweko (Captain), Janet Mbabazi, Phiona Khulume, Kevin Awino, Irene Alumo, Proscovia Alako, Patricia Malemikia, Immaculate Nakisuyi, Stephanie Nampiina, Evelyn Anyipo, Rita Musamali, Malisa Ariokot, Lorna Anyait, Jimia Mohammad.
Officials: Lawrence Ssematimba (Head Coach), Lawrence Ssempijja (Assistant Coach), Tugume Imam (Physiotherapist), Edgar Kazibwe (Pshychologist), Deus Muhumuza (Analyst), Denis Musali (Media Manager), Mary Nakinga (Team Manager).
The Fixtures:
Date
Match
Time
Venue
10/6/2026
Uganda v Kenya
10:15
IPRC
10/6/2022
Uganda v Nigeria
14:30
IPRC
11/6/2022
Uganda v Botswana
14:30
IPRC
12/6/2023
Uganda v Rwanda
14:45
Gahanga
14/06/2023
Uganda v Botswana
10:15
IPRC
14/06/2023
Uganda v Kenya
14:30
IPRC
15/06/2023
Uganda v Rwanda
10:15
IPRC
16/06/2023
Uganda v Nigeria
14:45
Gahanga
By Henry Gwaase
