African pride at stake in Kampala
By Eric Odanga
From Kampala
Seven nations will battle it out for the two slots available at Rugby World Cup Sevens from the Africa region women’s qualifier, which kicks off at Kyadondo RFC ground in Kampala, Uganda, on Saturday.
Ivory Coast and Madagascar withdrew earlier this week and the organisers have rearranged the fixtures, drafting in a Uganda A side to balance the equation and allow two pools of four, with the top two in each qualifying for the semi-finals.
Top seeds and hot favourites South Africa have been drawn in Pool A with Kenya, Uganda A and Zambia, while hosts and second seeds Uganda head Pool B with Tunisia, Zimbabwe and debutants Botswana.
South Africa coach Denver Wannies was cautious after their arrival in Kampala on Wednesday, admitting: “We are expecting a tough time because everybody wants to qualify for the women’s tournament in Dubai.”
Uganda, meanwhile, had a scare after three players were injured. The good news is that burly prop and captain Christine Kizito and playmaker Hellen Buteme were passed fit after Wednesday’s training session. There was no such luck for reliable kicker and wing Rachael Kakaire, who tore some ligaments during training.
“We have no reasons to be scared and are sure of getting one of the slots,” Uganda coach David Mutaka admitted. However he could also feel the weight of expectation from the home crowd. “The home pressure could be too much for the players.”
Tunisia arrived on Tuesday from South Africa where they have been camping for one week, but the bulk of the teams were due on Friday with Zambia arriving in the morning and Botswana, Zimbabwe and Kenya expected in the evening.
Pools, Fixtures and Squad lists:
Pool A: South Africa, Kenya, Uganda A, Zambia.
Pool B: Uganda, Tunisia, Zimbabwe, Botswana.
A: South Africa v Uganda A
A: Kenya v Zambia
B: Uganda v Zimbabwe
B: Tunisia v Botswana
A: South Africa v Zambia
A: Kenya v Uganda A
B: Uganda v Botswana
B: Tunisia v Zimbabwe
A: Uganda A v Zambia
A: South Africa v Kenya
B: Zimbabwe v Botswana
B: Uganda v Tunisia
South Africa: Yolanda Meering (Blue Bulls), Natasha Hofmeester (Boland), Mandisa Wiliams (Border), Lorinda Brown, Zeney Jordaan, Saloma Booysen, Lamla Momoti, Nomathamsanqa Faleni, Pumeze Gadu (Eastern Province), Nambulelo Mayongo (Griffons), Aime barret (Kwa-Zulu Natal), Nadine Barnard (Western Province).
Kenya: Angela Olum, Nereah Awino, Mary Otieno, Anita Omondi, Doreen Remour, Celestine Navalayo (captain), Irene Awino, Philadelphia Olando, Janet Midecha, Abadeen Shikhoyi, Stacy Awuor, Mary Musieka.
Uganda: Christine Kizito (Thunderbirds, Captain), Hellen Buteme (Panthers, vice captain), Fortunate Irankunda Panthers), Josephine Namayega (Thunderbirds), Aaliyah Adania (Rangers), Prossy Nakakande (Panthers), Charloote Mudoola (Rangers), Harriet Kayonjo (Thunderbirds), Winnie Etyang (Thunderbirds), Brenda Kayiyi (Panthers), Mary Kyoita (Rangers), Rosenburg Kanyunyuzi (Thunderbirds).
Botswana: Keneilwe Modise (captain), Keabetswe Molefi, Tinabo Chikani, Kelebogile Bagwasi, Naledi Chabe, Pearl Mogatusi, Mpho Molatlhwe, Masego Aston, Tjeleduo Monyai, Gabone Gosiame, Kesia Makopo, Kamogelo Dibate.
Zambia: Mary Mbewe, Sherry Mwami, Lome Phiri, Carol Mpululuka, Catherine Ndashe, Cecilia Chitenge, Eukaria Chimanga, Gladys Mateyo, Agenes Mutambarika, Grace Zulu, Susan Chongo, Jane Kaoma.
Tunisia: Mahbouli Dorsaf, Khabbacha Menel, Rezgui Olfa, Mekni Meriem, Charfi Donia, Ben Hassine Waatef, Ben Fkhi Ali Amira, Zorgati Riheb, Abida Ikhlas, Sabbagh Olfa, Gheriani Nesrine, El Hadj Ali Rim.
