AUGUST 27, LUGOGO – The Baby Victoria Pearls have been officially flagged off for the upcoming ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Division 1 Qualifier in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, from 28th August to 6th September.
The team was flagged off by National Council of Sports Representative Sarah Chelangat, who was flanked by Cricket Uganda Acting CEO Evelyn K.B. Shinyekwa, Cricket Uganda President Jackson Kavuma and Head of High Performance and Pathways Richard Okia at Lugogo Cricket Oval.
This high-stakes continental championship represents the ultimate battleground for youth cricket, where eight elite nations will fight tooth and nail through a rigorous pool phase and knockout rounds for the single, coveted ticket to the global stage.
Only the tournament champion will secure direct qualification to the 2027 ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup to be hosted by Bangladesh and Nepal in 2027.
Building on a rigorous residential preparation camp in Kololo under the guidance of head coach Brian Masaba and assistant coach Ivan Kakande, the Baby Victoria Pearls enter this continental showdown with absolute focus.
The coaching staff has worked relentlessly to condition the squad, ensuring that every player is mentally and physically prepared to handle the gruelling demands of tournament-level cricket.
The technical preparations have heavily prioritised fine-tuning tactical execution, middle-overs management, and high-intensity match fitness.
Standouts such as 2026 High Performance Cup series MVP Sarah Tino and leading wicket-taker Asha Mukite will anchor the team to navigate high-pressure scenarios against elite regional opposition. The tournament features eight powerhouse nations divided into two highly competitive groups, all vying to punch their ticket to the World Cup.
Uganda takes its place in Group A alongside hosts Tanzania, Nigeria, and Malawi. Meanwhile, Group B comprises Zimbabwe, Namibia, Kenya, and Rwanda, setting the stage for an explosive continental campaign where only one undisputed champion will claim the ultimate prize of World Cup qualification.
BABY VICTORIA PEARLS SQUAD
1. Jimia Abdallah Mohamed (Captain), 2. Shadiah Gilingish Nabulime 3. Rashidah Tikabula 4. Sarah Tino 5. Mischelle Ariago 6. Irene Mutonyi 7. Mary Namiiro 8. Elizabeth Acheng 9. Asha Mukite 10. Sheirah Namagoba 11. Mariam Biribawa 12. Blessing Noeline Apio 13. Joan Ilora 14. Devine Gabriella Nyamer
Reserves: 1. Hasfa Naula 2. Sonia Nampeera
Tournament Groups
Group A: Nigeria, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi
Group B: Zimbabwe, Namibia, Kenya, Rwanda
Uganda Group A Fixtures:
Match Day 1: Nigeria vs Uganda — Sunday, 30th August 2026 at 9:30 AM
Match Day 2: Tanzania vs Uganda — Monday, 31st August 2026 at 2:00 PM
Match Day 3: Uganda vs Malawi — Wednesday, 2nd September 2026 at 9:30 AM
Knockout Stage & Finals Schedule:
• Semi-Finals: Thursday, 3rd September 2026
SF1 / SF3: 9:30 AM
SF2 / SF4: 2:00 PM
• Final & Play-offs: Saturday, 5th September 2026
3rd Place Play-off & 7th Place Play-off: 9:30 AM
Final & 5th Place Play-off (World Cup Qualifier Match): 2:00 PM
Team Leadership Perspectives
The camp has been very good so far. We’ve seen a lot of improvement over the last couple of days since we started, and we’re very happy with where the girls are at the moment. For us as a team, we need to be able to understand that cricket games are won on the day. It’s not about names or players; it’s about who shows up on the day.
— Brian Masaba, Head Coach
Our preparations for this tournament have been intensive, and the group has put in an incredible amount of work during our camp to get our fitness, fielding, and tactical execution to the required level. We know what is at stake with only one spot available for the World Cup, and every single player understands the responsibility of wearing the national colours. We are heading to Tanzania with a clear mindset: to take it one game at a time, execute our plans fearlessly, and leave everything on the field.
— Jimia Mohammed, Captain
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