Victoria Pearls assistant coach, Deus Muhumuza, couldn’t hide his feelings after his side fell to a humiliating 3-wicket loss to Nigeria at the ongoing African Games in Ghana.
The two sides faced off in a bronze medal match on Wednesday, but despite holding the favorites tag, Uganda were made to suffer a humbling defeat.
The defeat meant Uganda whose first defeat to the female yellow-green arrived just last year return home empty-handed.
After losing the toss, the Victoria Pearls were put in to bat, but like it’s been the case the entire tournament, they struggled to alter the score board.
Immaculate Nakisuyi‘s 21 was Uganda’s highest individual score enroute to their 76 which they failed to defend.
The display was just a reminder of the weaknesses in this Ugandan side that’s just weeks away from the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifiers.
What the coach said
Speaking after the game, a visibly upset Muhumuza implored the team to evaluate themselves.
“The girls have to be honest with themselves. They have to take a decision whether they want to play the game or sit back and we get other players because today they didn’t show up.”
“They have the set of skills that could’ve won them the tournament, but cricket is not just skill, it’s 90% mental and that’s something they need to reflect on as individuals and to work upon”
Asked how the team intends to improve on the attitude heading into the Dubai Qualifiers, Muhumuza said they will remodel their plans.
“We are going to try and restructure the plans we had ahead; we will look at team bonding and other activities that will help them work as one unit.”
“We will also try to engage more game activities, if they can watch more of such situations maybe they will pick out something to learn from.”
The Victoria Pearls will return home and continue with their preparations for the globals.
Courtesy Photos
