The lady rugby cranes have named a strong outfit for their encounter with the Kenya Lionesses in the Elgon Cup 2023.
The ladies’ version of the Elgon Cup was reintroduced in 2019 but went off the radar, again owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Lady Cranes and Kenya Lionesses would later meet in the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup Pool B at Muteesa II Stadium in Wankulukuku in 2022, with the latter winning 23-03 and qualifying for Rugby Africa Cup, which serves as a qualifier for the inaugural World Women 15s WXV in 2023.
With Leonard Lubambula now with the men’s team, his former assistant Emmanuel Katuntu took over the reins and has named a squad with a bevvy of rookies and some bit of experience.
The Avengers saw eight players summoned, five each for the Thunderbirds and Panthers, three from Black Pearls and one each from Mbale RFC and Nile Rapids.
To the ululation of Uganda rugby revellers, Black Pearls’ speedster and try-scoring machine Emilly Lekuru has made the team and will be in the back three alongside Avengers duo Juliet Nandawula and Georgina Namukose.
LADY CRANES XV SQUAD FOR ELGON CUP
Faith Namugga (Avengers)
Fazirah Namukwaya (Avengers)
Patricia Anek (Thunderbirds)
Leona Acen (Black Pearls)
Charity Atimango (Thunderbirds)
Peace Mirembe (Black Pearls)
Cabrine Kirabo (Avengers)
Angela Nanyonjo (Avengers)
Sarah Nakafeero (Thunderbirds)
Tina Akello (Nile Rapids)
Georgina Namukose (Avengers)
Asha Nakityo (Thunderbirds)
Monica Nandudu (Mbale)
Emily Lekuru (Black Pearls)
Juliet Nandawula (Avengers)
Kadara Nalinya (Panthers)
Brenda Kemigisha (Avengers)
Doreen Mbabazi (Panthers)
Nahia Fazial (Thunderbirds)
Brenda Kayiyi (Panthers)
Fatuma Ramia (Panthers)
Angom Evelyn (Panthers)
Florence Babirye (Avengers)
Technical Bench
- Emmanuel Brian Katuntu – Head Coach
- Victor Wadia – Assistant Coach
- Byron Okuba – S&C Coach
- Dorcas Mundua – Team Manager
- Nelson Mayeku – Physiotherapist
Courtesy Photos
