The Uganda Rugby Union has introduced that Uganda might be sending three groups to take part within the prestigious 2024 Safari 7s match. The groups embody the Uganda Rising 7s males’s workforce and two girls’s groups—the Woman Cranes 7s and the Woman Cranes Choose.
The match, happening from October eleventh to thirteenth at Machakos Kenyatta Stadium, marks the primary time the Safari 7s might be held exterior of Nairobi, promising a contemporary and thrilling expertise for rugby followers.
In a daring transfer, males’s head coach Tolbert Onyango has chosen a totally new lineup for the Uganda Rising 7s, with not one of the 12 gamers who secured a third-place end final yr returning.
Among the many contemporary expertise is Platinum Credit score Heathens RFC’s Malcolm Okello, the highest scorer within the just lately concluded Nationwide 7s collection. He’s joined by Robin Odrua and Karim Arinaitwe, each of whom deliver worldwide expertise from Uganda’s victorious run on the Worldwide Rugby 7s match in South Africa this September.
Talking on the squad, Onyango expressed confidence in his picks:
“This yr’s workforce brings in contemporary expertise that I consider can compete on the highest degree. Though it’s a totally new squad, the starvation and dedication these gamers have proven all season make me assured they may signify Uganda with delight and ship a powerful efficiency.”
Uganda has been drawn into Pool B of the boys’s competitors, the place they may face the Morans, Kenya Harlequins, Shogun, and Redwailers.
On the ladies’s aspect, Uganda might be represented by the defending champion Woman Cranes 7s and the Uganda Rising 7s.
The Woman Cranes are fielding seven gamers from their 2023 successful squad, together with key gamers Lona Sandra Amoli, Namulala Unity, and Maimuna Nassozi.
The Woman Cranes Choose workforce options high performers from the Nationwide 7s collection, together with Yvonne Najjuma, a member of final yr’s successful squad.
Coach Charles Onen expressed his optimism forward of the match:
“We’re excited concerning the competitors and our preparation. The gamers have labored onerous, and this match will give us the chance to check new mixtures as we proceed our development and goal for achievement on the Africa Girls’s Sevens subsequent yr.”
Uganda’s girls’s groups will compete in a single pool of six groups alongside Costablanca Barbarians, Shogun, Kenya Lionesses, and Kenya Cubs.
Notably, Ugandan stars Charlotte Mudoola, Emily Lekuru, and Susan Adong will make particular appearances, taking part in for the Shogun workforce.
Moreover, Umar Balikanda has been chosen to signify Uganda as a match official on the match, a testomony to his experience on certainly one of Africa’s largest rugby phases.
The motion kicks off on Friday at 2:00 PM, with the boys’s workforce opening their marketing campaign in opposition to Kenya Harlequins, whereas the Woman Cranes will face Shogun, and the Woman Cranes Choose tackle Kenya Lionesses.
The Safari 7s stays certainly one of Africa’s premier rugby occasions, and Uganda is poised for one more robust displaying.
Uganda Rising 7s Squad: Robin Odrua, Julius Opio, Arnold Ocen, Andrew Odhiambo, Edward Emiemu, Patrick Okello, Mark William Lukwago, Malcom Okello, Reward Wokorach, Karim Arinaitwe (Captain), Humphrey Ndahura, Daniel
Otim
Staff Officers: Tolbert Onyango (head coach), Otim Allan (S&C Coach), Arinda Davis (Staff Physician), Michael Wandera
(Staff Supervisor)
Woman Cranes Squad:Amoli Lona Sandra, Namukwaya Fazira, Namulala Unity, Auma Grace, Maimuna Nasozi, Ayot Mary
Gloria, Nakuya Agnes, Namabiro Lydia, Nandudu Jannat, Kateesa Gertrude Junior, Tina Akello Molly
Woman Cranes Choose Squad: Apio Phillies, Ainebyona Juliet, Tino Esther, Angayika Consolation, Babirye Florence, Najjuma Yvonne, Nambozo Mastula, Samiya Ayikoru, Wilembe Gladys, Anirwoth Sunday, Namulimbwa Habiba, Anek Patricia
Girls Staff Officers:Onen Charles (head Coach), Kigongo Ssebalamu (S&C Coach), Mayeku Nelson (Physio), Winny
Atyang (Staff Supervisor)
