Coach Ivan Kakande has reiterated the importance of the High Performance Cup series against Rwanda as Uganda maintains a laser focus on securing a historic berth at the global stage.
The competition, to be played from 24th to 28th July at Entebbe Cricket Oval, serves as the ultimate litmus test for refining the Baby Victoria Pearls (Uganda U19 Women’s Cricket Team)’s tactical approach.
Kakande, who Victoria Pearls wicketkeeper Kevin Awino will assist, has stepped in to lead the technical bench in the absence of U19 Head Coach Brian Masaba, who is away on national duty with the senior women’s team for the Capricorn T20I series.
Emphasising the significance of the bilateral fixtures, Kakande outlined the blueprint for the team’s development:
The primary significance is to try and prepare ourselves ready for the Under-19 World Cup slot. I believe we have a high chance if we follow our plans and steps into this qualifier. We are looking at better batting combinations, bowling partnerships, and growing the team culture every other day that goes by. We are looking forward to positively meeting our targets and seeing an improvement in each aspect of the game.
To measure true match readiness, facing formidable opposition is essential.
Kakande pointed to Rwanda as a crucial benchmark, highlighting their historical footprint in age-category cricket after representing Africa at the first-ever World Cup in South Africa:
Rwanda has been one of the competitive teams at this under-age category. They represented Africa in the first-ever World Cup in South Africa, and that’s a big milestone, so they bring so much to the table regarding competition and preparation. They are a decent team and we would love to compete with such teams to test our improvement ahead of the tournament.
Baby Victoria Pearls will use the High Performance Cup as a tournament to sharpen the squad ahead of the all-important ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup Africa Division 1 Qualifiers, scheduled to take place in Tanzania from September 25 to October 5, 2026.
In Tanzania, eight nations will battle for Africa’s lone coveted spot at the 2027 U19 Women’s T20 World Cup to be jointly hosted by Bangladesh and Nepal.
The qualifiers’ field features hosts Tanzania, alongside Uganda, Rwanda, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, and regional neighbours Kenya and Malawi – who recently progressed from the Division 2 Qualifier.
HP Cup Fixtures & Match Schedule
All matches will be played at the Entebbe Cricket Oval:
- Thursday, 23rd July: Team Arrival & Pre-Series Briefing
- Friday, 24th July: 1st T20 – 2:00 PM
- Saturday, 25th July: 2nd T20 – 10:00 AM | 3rd T20 – 2:00 PM (Doubleheader)
- Sunday, 26th July: 4th T20 – 2:00 PM
- Monday, 27th July: Rest & Recovery Day
- Tuesday, 28th July: 40-Over Match – 10:00 AM
Uganda U19 Women’s Squad (HP Cup)
- Achieng Elizabeth
- Namagoba Sheirah
- Mukite Asha
- Rashida Tikabula
- Biribawa Mariam
- Ariago Mischel
- Namiiro Mary
- Naula Hasfa
- Shadia Giringish Nabuulime
- Nampeera Sonia
- Tino Sarah
- Nyamer Devine Gabriella
- Kongai Marcelina
- Arugo Joyce Mary
- Ilora Joan
- Icumar Josephine