AUGUST 27, LUGOGO — Uganda’s Baby Victoria Pearls head to Tanzania with everything to play for as eight nations battle for the continent’s only qualification slot to the 2027 ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup.
Cricket Uganda has unveiled the final 14-player squad and match schedule for the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Africa Division 1 Qualifier, which will be held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
The high-stakes tournament will feature a pool phase followed by the knockout rounds, with only the eventual champion earning direct qualification to the 2027 ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup, to be hosted by Bangladesh and Nepal.
Uganda have been drawn in Group A alongside hosts Tanzania, Nigeria and Malawi, while Group B comprises Zimbabwe, Namibia, Kenya and Rwanda.
Head coach Brian Masaba believes the Baby Victoria Pearls have made significant strides during their residential preparations in Kololo, but insists their progress will count for little unless they deliver when it matters most.
“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.”
Masaba has been working alongside assistant coach Ivan Kakande as the team fine-tunes its tactical execution, middle-overs management and match fitness ahead of the continental assignment.
The coaching staff has also placed strong emphasis on ensuring the players are mentally and physically equipped to withstand the demands of tournament-level cricket.
The squad will be anchored by 2026 High Performance Cup series MVP Sarah Tino and leading wicket-taker Asha Mukite, with captain Jimia Abdallah Mohammed providing leadership as Uganda pursue a place on the global stage.
Captain Jimia says the intensity of preparations reflects the magnitude of the opportunity awaiting the team in Tanzania.
“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.”
Uganda will open their Group A campaign against Nigeria on Sunday, August 30 at 9:30am before facing hosts Tanzania on Monday, August 31 at 2:00pm.
They will conclude the group stage against Malawi on Wednesday, September 2 at 9:30am.
The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, scheduled for Thursday, September 3, with the first semi-final set for 9:30am and the second at 2:00pm.
The final and play-offs will be played on Saturday, September 5. The third- and seventh-place play-offs will be held at 9:30am, before the final and fifth-place play-off at 2:00pm.
With only one World Cup berth available, Uganda face a demanding route to qualification, making every group-stage result critical.
Baby Victoria Pearls Squad
1. Jimia Abdallah Mohamed (Captain)
2. Shadiah Gilingish Nabulime
3. Rashidah Tikabula
4. Sarah Tino
5. Mischelle Arriago
6. Irene Mutonyi
7. Mary Namiro
8. Elizabeth Achieng
9. Asha Mukite
10. Sheirah Namagoba
11. Mariam Biribawa
12. Blessing Noeline Apio
13. Joan Ilora
14. Devine Gabriella Nyamer
Reserves: Hasfa Naula, Sonia Nampeera.
