Elgon Cup tie against Kenya first on the agenda for Lady Cranes

A squad of 31 players selected from Rangers, Thunderbirds and Black Panthers are currently undergoing intense drills 4 times a week under the coaching duo of Sam Ahamya and Ramsey Olinga as they ready themselves for what is billed to be a titanic clash against neighbouring rivals Kenya in a 15 aside curtain raiser game during the Elgon Cup on May 24th in Kampala. Over the years, the Kenyan women have narrowed the gap between the two countries and Ahamya is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the Lady Cranes are well prepared for the first international game of the year. Christine Kizito, Charlotte Mudoola and Helen Buteme are some of the players that are expected to spearhead the Lady Cranes’ quest for victory.

The full list of Lady Cranes players:

PROPS:

Christine Kizito (Thunderbirds)

Alice Nakyonyi (Thunderbirds)

Evelyn Aweku (Thunderbirds)

Warry Nambirige (Rangers)

Fortunate Irankunda (Black Panthers)

HOOKERS:

Stella Kyalikunda (Thunderbirds)

*Aliya Adania (Rangers)
*Mariam Akello (Thunderbirds)

LOCKS:

Winnie Atyang (Thunderbirds)

Stella Abeja (Thunderbirds)

Ann Tumwine (Thunderbirds)

Josephine Namayega (Thunderbirds)

*Hellen Gizamba (Black Panthers)

*Claire Anena (Black Panthers)

BACK ROW:

Rosenburg Kanyunyuzi (Thunderbirds)

Stella Bakole (Thunderbirds)

Dorothy Nekesa (Thunderbirds)

Mary Nakanyike (Thunderbirds)

*Brenda Kayiyi (Black Panthers)

SCRUMHALVES:

Joan Andika (Rangers)

*Prossy Nakakande (Black Panthers)

FLYHALVES:

Charlotte Mudoola (Rangers)

Sauda Adiru (Thunderbirds)

CENTRES:

Harriet Kayonjo (Thunderbirds)

Joan Namuyomba (Thunderbirds)

Hadija Namuyanja (Rangers)

Helen Buteme (Black Panthers)

WINGERS:

Asha Ssonko (Thunderbirds)

Rachel Kakaire (Thunderbirds)

*Hamida Nankabirwa (Rangers)

*Mary Kyoita (Rangers)

* denotes uncapped players for the 15 aside game.

Meanwhile, across the border, the Kenyan women are being taken through their paces by Sammy Kemmey and Benjamin Ayimba. Some of the players in training are Angela Olum, Celestine Masinde, Anita Omondi, Doreen Remour, Yvonne Makwali, Nereah Awino, Camilyn Awuor, Irene Awuor, Mary Otieno, Mary Musieka, Philadelphia Olando, Dorcas Ndanu, Robina Wambui, Millicent Opalla, Abadeen Shikhoyi, Irene Namayi, Laventa Otieno, Judy Asiyo, Peris Mukoko, Sarah Otieno, Alice Akinyi, Samantha Mary, Maureen Minayo, Judy Agengo, Janet Midecha, Rachel Adhiambo, Kezia Achieng, Florence Awuor, Adelaide Nasambu, Caroline Nyambura and Stacey Awuor. Key players Irene Nyakundi and Linda Anyango are doubtful for the fixture as they both have knee injuries that may require surgery.

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