Lady Rugby Cranes head coach Charles Onen says his team is ready and focused as Uganda kicks off its 2025 Safari 7s campaign this Friday in Nairobi.
Uganda opens Pool B against Belgium at 4:44 p.m. before taking on Tunisia and archrivals Kenya Lionesses on Saturday.
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The pool promises tough competition, but Onen is confident in his side’s preparation.
“The girls are ready. It’s only a few hours to kick off, and they’re geared up. We’ll take it one game at a time,” said Onen after the final training session.
Uganda’s clash with Belgium renews a familiar rivalry. The two last met in the Challenger Series in Dubai, where Belgium won in the group stage before Uganda struck back in the quarterfinals.
This year’s Safari 7s is another key test for Uganda after steady progress in recent years.
The Lady Cranes made history in 2023 by winning gold, their best-ever finish and followed up in 2024 with two teams finishing third and fifth.
Though 2023 MVP Peace Lekuru is absent as she continues her professional career with York Valkyrie in the UK, new captain Agnes Nakuya leads a youthful, hungry side.
Onen says the focus now is on maintaining momentum and integrating new talent.
“We’re focusing on the positives, the young girls coming through. This tournament is a great build-up as we prepare for the Rugby Africa campaign,” he said.
