April 7, 2025. The Uganda Cricket Association is pleased to announce that the national women’s cricket team, the Victoria Pearls, arrived safely in Windhoek, Namibia, ahead of the 2025 Capricorn Eagles Series, which bowls off tomorrow April 8th at the newly-erected High Performance Cricket Oval.
The eagerly awaited series will feature six T20 International matches between Uganda and hosts Namibia from April 8-15. This follows Uganda’s memorable 2023 victory in the same tournament, where they edged Namibia by four runs in a thrilling final to lift the title.
Adding to the anticipation, Uganda most recently defeated Namibia in the 2024 Women’s Day Cup Final last month in Entebbe, marking their fourth consecutive victory over the Capricorn Eagles in head-to-head meetings. These include a 4-wicket win during the 2023 T20 Africa Finals and dominant performances in the group stages of the Women’s Day Cup, where Uganda triumphed by 74 runs and 1-run in dramatic double-header games.
Squad and Strategy Updates
The Victoria Pearls will look to build on their recent momentum with a slightly revised squad.
Shakira Saddick, who has been in fine form, and pace bowler Evelyn Anyipo join the side, replacing Proscovia Alako and Patricia Malemikia—the latter unavailable due to work commitments.
The team also welcomes back young pace bowler Irene Mutoni, whose promising debut in Entebbe impressed both fans and selectors. Her inclusion is aimed at providing more depth and international exposure.
Speaking ahead of the tour, Victoria Pearls coach Deus Muhumuza emphasized the importance of consistency and readiness:
“Fresh from our Women’s Day Cup triumph, the team is in high spirits. Our goal as the technical team is to build consistency in performance and improve execution under pressure. This tour gives us a perfect opportunity to fine-tune our game plans. We are excited to play Namibia at the newly developed venue that will host the ICC T20 World Cup Africa Qualifiers in August.”
Team captain Janet Mbabazi echoed that sentiment, highlighting the team’s hunger and ambition:
“Every tour is a fresh opportunity to test what we’ve been working on. We’re excited to be back in Namibia where we’ve had great memories. I’m looking forward to the team playing fearless cricket, breaking new ground, and most importantly, enjoying the game. We’ll take it one game at a time— but yes, we are here to win the Capricorn Series.”
Victoria Pearls Squad:
Janet Mbabazi (Captain), Consy Aweko, Immaculate Nakisuyi, Kevin Awino, Rita Musamali, Stephanie Nampiina, Sarah Walaza, Sarah Akiteng, Phiona Kulume, Shakira Saddick, Malisa Ariokot, Irene Mutoni, Evelyn Anyipo, Esther Iloku.
