UGANDA COUNT ON VETERAN STARS TO SHINE AT WOMEN’S 7S
Uganda's Lady Cranes 7s coach Charles Onen banks on a proven, experienced squad for the Rugby Africa Women's Cup in Nairobi. The team is boosted by the return of former captain Peace Lekuru from England.
Peace Lekuru returns to Lady Cranes 7s training camp - COURTESY/PHOTO
The Lady Cranes coach, Charles Cyphus Onen, has relied on experience to deliver gold at the November 15–16 competition at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi, Kenya, as the Rugby Africa Women’s 7s Cup draws near.
This temporary team is a wonderful fit for the coach's assessment of the team as tried and tested.
Since we had a very short amount of time to prepare for the Rugby Africa Women's Cup, we decided to stick with that 18-player group to gain experience.
"We think it is a very limited window for them to try and prepare for this competition, but a couple of young girls [in the National 7s] threw up their hands and they truly have the potential," Onen said.
"For now, we selected those final 18 because they are proven and tested, but we may go back to the drawing board and attempt to find room for the new girls and see how they can fit into the system," he continued.
Peace Lekuru, a former captain of the Lady Cranes 7s, has returned to the team after playing rugby league for York Valkyrie during the summer in England. This is a welcome comeback for Coach Onen, the team, and Ugandan supporters alike.
"She is a valuable member of the team and a hard worker with a high output," he said.
"She has been at these stages before, she has played at the greatest levels, and I think her coming back into the squad is one of the things that may strengthen the team," Onen said, underlining Lekuru's experience. In addition to her leadership and the work ethic we anticipate from her as we enter the Rugby Africa competition, she also infuses the team with positive energy.
Coach Onen was pleased with the team's performance and identified some positive aspects of the game, even though they played without Lekuru and placed second at the Safari 7s.
It was incredible to watch how the females stood up for one another, believing that it was their chance to show off and that they could fill in if one or two other players were not available. Our goal is to assemble a team that can represent the nation without depending on any one player. That was among the many wonderful features of the Safari 7s that I found appealing," he said.
Before they depart for Nairobi next month, the Lady Cranes will continue to train at the Kyadondo Rugby Grounds till the final team is announced. They began training there on Wednesday of this week.
UGANDA CUBS’ SPIRITED SHOW ENDS IN NARROW 3–2 PARAGUAY LOSS
The Uganda Cubs (U17) fell 3-2 to Paraguay in a thrilling Dubai friendly. Despite goals from James Bogere & Abubakali Walusimbi, a defensive error cost them. Coach Ssenyondo remains upbeat ahead of their historic 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup.
Paraguay Edge Uganda Cubs 3–2 in Dubai - COURTESY/PHOTO
In Tuesday night's final international friendly match of the Dubai Youth Challenge Cup, the Uganda Cubs, Uganda's U17 national team, put up another valiant display but lost to Paraguay, a South American squad, 3–2.
The game was the final test for the Cubs before their historic 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup debut in Qatar. Once more, Brian Ssenyondo's charges displayed attacking promise, but defensive lapses undid their progress.
James Bogere, the young Ugandans' danger man, gave them the lead in the 24th minute. Bogere had previously scored against Venezuela and was continuing his excellent scoring record.
But Paraguay fought back, as Alan Ledesma equalised in the 40th minute from the penalty spot.
Almada Derlis gave the South Americans the lead with a well-executed goal four minutes later, guaranteeing Paraguay had a 2-1 lead at halftime.
After the half, Uganda returned with renewed vigour, applying pressure to Paraguay before Abubakali Walusimbi levelled the score in the 55th minute.
Despite the comeback, De Cavalho Mouricio took advantage of a defensive blunder to slide in the game-winning goal in the 71st minute, giving Paraguay the lead again.
After an encouraging 1-1 draw with Venezuela in their opening match, Uganda lost to Panama 2-1, marking their second loss in Dubai.
Following the match, head coach Brian Ssenyondo remained upbeat ahead of the World Cup and thanked his troops for the experience they received throughout the camp.
"I am grateful that this camp has taken place, and I would like to thank the Federation for this initiative as it has provided us with a realistic picture of what the World Cup will be like," Ssenyondo stated.
It means a lot because the teams we have faced are from the same area as our group rivals, Canada and Chile. The good news is that we have scored first in each of the three games, demonstrating our offensive ability. We need to get better at game management and defence. I think everything will be set up by the time we play our first game in Qatar.
At the forthcoming FIFA U17 World Cup, Uganda is grouped with Canada, Chile, and France in Group K. They will play their first match against Canada on November 5.
Even though the Cubs have lost all of their friendlies in Dubai, their performances have taught them important lessons and given them more self-assurance before their first appearance on the international scene.
LADY DOLPHINS TAKE CHARGE IN NBL FINALS, BEAT JAGUARS 2-1
JKL Lady Dolphins take a 2-1 NBL Finals lead after a dominant 77-59 win over JT Lady Jaguars. A strong fourth-quarter performance sealed the victory for the defending champions.
Flavia Oketcho rewinding the days, contributing 13 points while sinking 4 of 5 three-point field goals - COURTESY/PHOTO
The JT Lady Jaguars fell apart in the fourth quarter, giving the JKL Lady Dolphins a 2-1 lead in the National Basketball League playoffs.
At the Lugogo Indoor Arena on Tuesday, the JKL Lady Dolphins defeated the JT Lady Jaguars 77-59 in the NBL Finals.
Despite getting off to a strong start, the Kira-based team dropped their second straight game due to the Lady Dolphins' zonal defence.
The Lady Jaguars took a six-point (24–18) lead at the end of the first quarter after the Lady Dolphins' high pick and roll failed.
Becky Keren Longom came off the bench to strengthen the defence of the defending champions as the Lady Dolphins struggled to keep up with the Lady Jaguars' rapid transitional style.
The Lady Dolphins led by a slender margin of one point (36-35) at the half.
As the Lady Jaguars entered the final quarter trailing by one point (52–51), they improved their defence after coming out of the locker rooms.
The Lady Dolphins' experience and mindset provided them with the advantage in the last quarter as the Lady Jaguars struggled offensively and made poor decisions.
Sudi Ulanga, the coach of the Lady Jaguars, had to call a timeout because the team was ahead 8-0 going into the fourth quarter. However, the Jaguars trailed by 18 points and were only able to score eight points in spite of the team talk.
The Lady Dolphins' top scorers in double figures were Brenda Ekone (11 points), Evelyn Nakiyinji (12 points), Hope Akello (17 points), and Flavia Oketcho (13 points).
However, the only Lady Jaguars players to score in double figures were Rhoda Nagitta (15 points) and Shakirah Nanvubya (13 points).