The Baby Victoria Pearls have been flagged off by the National Council of Sports on Wednesday morning as they set off to Kigali, Rwanda. The team will compete in the Africa Qualifiers from September 20th to 30th, 2024, with the goal of securing a slot in the 2025 U-19 World Cup in Malaysia.
Uganda has been placed in Group A alongside host nation Rwanda, Kenya, and Namibia. The tournament features eight teams in total, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semifinals. Only the winner of the final will earn the chance to represent Africa at the World Cup.
The Baby Victoria Pearls finished fourth in the 2022 qualifiers held in Botswana and are determined to improve their performance this time around. The team brings valuable experience, with at least seven players from the 2022 campaign returning. Key players include Captain Jimia Mohammad, Lorna Anyait, Malisa Ariokot, Immaculate Nandera, Patricia Timong, and Akurut Asumin, all of whom have previously played for Uganda’s senior team, the Victoria Pearls.
Head Coach Yusuf Nanga shared his confidence in the team’s preparation, saying, “The team has prepared very well; we’ve had sufficient time to train and aim to be champions. We expect stiff competition from all the teams, but if we stick to our game plan, we should do well. Our main goal is to qualify for the World Cup.”
The Baby Victoria Pearls will travel to Rwanda on Friday, September 20th, and will play their first match against Namibia on the 22nd at Gahanga 2. Their second match will be on the 23rd against Kenya at IPRC, followed by their third group match on the 25th against Rwanda, also at IPRC.
The Team: Jimia Mohammad (Captain), Malisa Ariokot, Lona Anyait, Patricia Timong, Shadiah Gilingish Nabulime, Rashidah Tikabula, Irene Mutonyi, Immaculate Nandera, Mary Patricia Apolot, Asumin Akurut, Jane Naume Amongin, Michelle Ariago, Agnes Nakakande, Barbra Nanyanzi.
Officials: Yusuf Nanga (Head Coach), Ivan Kakande (Assistant Coach), Tugume Imam (Physiotherapist), Richard Okia (Team Analyst), Denis Musali (Media Manager), Lelia Namaganda Ondeko (Team Manager).
