Team Uganda has set out a target of defending its title at the ICC Africa Women’s Twenty20 Championships set to be held in Zimbabwe May 5-12.
Two years ago, Uganda defeated Zimbabwe to win the continent’s title before earning a world T20 ranking in Netherlands last year.
Following a five-month polishing, national team selector Richard Okia and coaches Michael Ndiko and Habibu Mugalula announced the 14-man team set for the Harare job on Thursday.
The team is same which was sandwiched by Zimbabwe and Kenya at the Victoria T20 Teri-Series in Lugogo a fortnight ago.
“There is no change. We think these are the ladies selected can represent us,” remarked Okia on Thursday afternoon.
“I believe they put a good show in the Series. They had a chance and all played well. And we have hope in them.”
There are only four missing faces from the team that won the Africa T20 gong in Windhoek, Namibia two years ago.
Mary Nalule, Saidat Kemigisha, Gertrude Candiru and Carol Namugenyi have been replaced by fresh blood in Damalie Busingye, Sarah Walaza, Evelyn Anyipo and Maria Kagoya.
Even without 2017 MVP Candiru who is in Saudi Arabia on work commitments, Okia trusts the team will repeat the feat and qualify for the ICC Women’s Global T20 World Cup Qualifier due August 31 - September 7 in Scotland.
“Given that they are the reigning champions, I expect them to have a good tour. Against Zimbabwe here, they were just short by about 20-25 runs,” added Okia.
Uganda is pooled alongside with Kenya, Namibia and Sierra Leone in Group B. Hosts Zimbabwe meet Rwanda, Nigeria and Mozambique in Group A.
The group winners will meet in the final to decide who takes the lone ticket to Scotland.
ICC Women's Africa T20 CUP: May 5-12
GROUP A: Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Rwanda, Nigeria
GROUP B: Namibia, Kenya, Sierra Leone, Uganda
Team Uganda to Zimbabwe
Players: Kevin Awino (Captain), Janet Mbabazi (Assistant Captain), Immaculate Nakisuyi, Rachel Ntono, Damalie Busingye, Naomi Kayondo, Rita Musamali, Stephanie Nampiina, Joyce Mary Apio, Evelyn Anyipo, Consy Aweko, Franklyn Najjumba, Sarah Walaza, Maria Kagoya
Reserves: Barbara Mukankusi, Esther Ilukor
Coaches: Habib Mugalula, Michael Ndiko
This writer is a global broadcaster and as well scribe with Daily Monitor Newspaper and sports presenter with Radio One FM 90 in Kampala. Follow him on Twitter: @AllanDarren and his Facebook Page: Darren Allan Kyeyune
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