After the Nepal Success Tour, Cricketers Victoria Pearls head to Kigali for the 2022 Kwibuka Invitational Tourney

They have just come back from ICC, ranked Nepal for the bilateral five sequence matches success, and the Victoria Pearls have their focus turned to next door neighbors Rwanda, for the 2022 edition of the Kwibuka Invitational tournament.

The team returned with a successful tour of Nepal story defeating the hosts 3-2, this victory moved them from 21st to 19^th in the World rankings. Returning for the Rwanda invitational tourney, The Victoria Pearls withdraws from the 2021 edition at the last minute after being hit by Covid19. But the team has been part of the Kwibuka since its maiden edition in 2014.

Flagged off from MTN Arena on Tuesday morning, the travelling team has only two changes from the side that traveled to Nepal with Franklin Najjumba and Rita Nyagendo missing out. Gloria Obukor and Naomi Kayondo are the replacements of the duo. Gloria Obukor was the best batter in the women’s T20 league and her inclusion is no surprise. Consy Aweko and Janet Mbabazi will be Captain and Vice-Captain for the team respectively.

The local Cricket Association takes the Kwibuka tournament very serious especially because it has got T20i status. UCA is therefore developing a team and the more they expose it to high-level cricket, the better as they will want to qualify for international tournaments.

“This is the time we have had three international tours for the ladies and this is a commitment from us to help the Victoria Pearls scale great heights” Martin Ondeko, CEO of Uganda Cricket Association.

Cricketer Janet Mbabazi, who has been in prolific form for the Victoria Pearls this year will again be one of the key players for Uganda as they look to pick up their third Kwibuka title. Senior players Rita Musamali and Kevin Awino were also in good touch in Nepal and they will also be required to put in a good shift.

The 2022 edition of the Kwibuka has attracted two newcomers; Germany from Europe and Brazil from the American region. There are eight nations in the event that include hosts Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Botswana, Tanzania, Nigeria, Brazil, and Germany. Kenya is the defending champions.

The Full Team:

Consy Nimungu Aweko (Captain), Janet Mbabazi (Vice-Captain), Kevin Awino, Rita Musamali, Patricia Malemikia, Phiona Egaru Kulume, Sarah Akiteng, Susan Kakai, Naomi Kayondo, Gloria Obukor, Leona Mirembe Babirye, Evelyn Anyipo, Shakirah Sadick, Sarah Walaza.

The Officials:

Laurence Ssematimba (Head Coach), Laurence Ssempijja (Assistant Coach), Imam Tugume (Team Physiotherapist), Rita Tinka (Team Manager)

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Daniels N Tatya: Mr. Daniels N. Tatya is an affluent Sports Writer, Commentator and Editor. His over 15 years of covering almost major sporting events makes him a revered and an authority on investigative Sports journalism in Uganda. He can also be reached via [email protected] +256(0)758268315