Lady Cranes unfazed by big names in Tunisia
Experience. Charlotte Mudoola.
What you need to know:
- Uganda’s best performances at the event came in 2008 and 2018 when they were runners up on both occasions.
The Lady Cranes 7s start their Africa Rugby Women’s Sevens campaign today in Jemmel, Tunisia with games against 2019 runners-up Kenya and Zambia.
There is one slot at Rugby World Cup Sevens in South Africa. This team qualified for the 2009 edition.
They feel they have it in them to repeat that and emulate the men who qualified for a second successive World Cup on Sunday at home.
“We have been preparing since February 14,” said captain Mary Gloria Ayot.
The group suffered a setback when they spent six hours on arriving at the airport before they could be cleared.
Eyes on two prizes
Their Ghanian counterparts had it rougher when it took them 10 hours to go through the same process.
“We are pushing for commonwealth and world cup qualification by playing our best game and see what happens,” added Ayot.
Senegal, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Uganda, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, South Africa and hosts Tunisia are taking part in the ninth edition of the event.
Uganda’s best performances at the event came in 2008 and 2018 when they were runners up on both occasions.
Veteran Charlotte Mudoola was part of both sides and made the cut for Tunisia once again. Her experience will come in handy for the Lady Cranes side that also boasts of raw talents like Grace Auma.
AFRICA RUGBY WOMEN SEVENS
THE POOLS
Pool A: South Africa, Zimbabwe, Senegal
Pool B: Kenya, Uganda, Zambia
Pool C: Tunisia, Ghana, Madagascar
TRAVELLING SQUAD
Juliet Nandawula (vice captain),Ritta Nadunga, Grace Auma, Peace Lekuru, Angel Nanyonjo, Yvonne Najjuma, Charlotte Mudoola, Sandra Amoli Lona, Suzan Adong, Mary Gloria Ayot (captain), Faith Namugga, Agnes Nakuya
Coach: Charles Onen
Team Manager: Phionah Nakateete
Strength and Conditioning: Kigongo Ssebalamu
Physiotherapist: Prossy Namusisi
