As the golden Namibian sun sets over the brand new High Performance Cricket Oval, the Victoria Pearls stepped off the plane with quiet determination and a mission in their hearts, to defend their Capricorn Eagles Series crown.
Among them were two familiar faces returning to the fold, Shakira Saddick and Evelyn Anyipo, both set to add firepower and finesse to a squad hungry for continued dominance.
Saddick, whose recent form has impressed selectors, brings with her a sense of assurance in the middle order.
Her calculated stroke play and calm under pressure are assets the Victoria Pearls will need as they lock horns with hosts Namibia in the six-match T20 International series bowling off April 8.
Joining her is pace bowler Evelyn Anyipo, whose raw pace and experience will be instrumental in destabilizing Namibia’s top order.
After a short absence, Anyipo’s comeback is timely, particularly with Patricia Malemikia unavailable due to work commitments and fellow batter Proscovia Alako stepping out of the squad. Their exits have opened the door for the two.
Head coach Deus Muhumuza couldn’t hide his optimism ahead of the tour. With a recent Women’s Day Cup win over the same Namibian side still fresh in memory, Muhumuza sees this series as a chance to fine-tune the team’s strategies before bigger challenges later this year.
“Fresh from our Women’s Day Cup triumph, the team is in high spirits,” he said.
“This tour gives us a perfect opportunity to build consistency and improve execution under pressure.”
The Pearls arrive with history on their side. Uganda has beaten Namibia in four straight encounters, including a final in the 2023 Capricorn Eagles Series, where they edged their rivals by just four runs to lift the trophy.
Most recently, they triumphed again during last month’s Women’s Day Cup final in Entebbe, reinforcing their dominance with dramatic wins throughout the tournament.
Captain Janet Mbabazi emphasized the team’s intent, noting the Pearls are not just in Namibia to participate, they’re here to win.
“We’re excited to be back in Namibia where we’ve had great memories. I’m looking forward to the team playing fearless cricket, breaking new ground, and most importantly, enjoying the game,” Mbabazi said.
“We’ll take it one game at a time but yes, we are here to win the Capricorn Series.”
Victoria Pearls Squad
Janet Mbabazi (Captain), Consy Aweko, Immaculate Nakisuyi, Kevin Awino, Rita Musamali, Stephanie Nampiina, Sarah Walaza, Sarah Akiteng, Phiona Kulume, Shakira Saddick, Malisa Ariokot, Irene Mutoni, Evelyn Anyipo, Esther Iloku.
Fixtures – [Capricorn Eagles Vs Victoria Pearls]
- April 8: 1st WT20I
- April 9: 2nd WT20I
- April 11: 3rd WT20I
- April 12: 4th WT20I
- April 14: 5th WT20I
- April 15: 6th WT20I
- April 17: 7th WT20I
