| Lady Cranes Head for Nelson Mandela Bay 7s | |
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 Lady Cranes continue their preparations for the 2009 Sevens RWC in Dubai by taking part in the Nelson Mandela Bay sevens tournament that starts on Friday 12th December in Port Elizabeth South Africa.The Ice Mark sponsored Lady Cranes depart for South Africa on 11th December aboard South Africa Airlines via Johannesburg to Port Elizabeth.The team has been undergoing grueling training sessions 4 times a week at Kyadondo RFC grounds under the watchful eyes of coach David Mutaka and his assistant Robert Seguya. Fly Half Charlotte Mudoola misses the trip to write her examinations at the Law Development Center while Josephine Namayega is out for one month with an injured ankle. Both players are replaced by experienced internationals Rachael Kakaire and Asha Ssonko. National team sprinter Justin Bayiga who switched codes to rugby only two months ago gets her first taste of international rugby. She has shown blistering pace,a good side step and an eye for the gap which are essential in a winger's finishing repertoire. She however still has to work on her ball handling,tackling and general game reading. ''Since we are building a team,this gives us an opportunity to try other options and also try out players in different positions.We hope the expsoure will make them better players,'' remarked Head Coach David Mutaka. The Nelson Mandela sevens will be attended by fellow RWC participants Lady Boks,USA,Brazil and a number from South Africa and Europe. This tournament will give the Lady Cranes much needed international exposure ahead of the Dubai Sevens RWC.The SA women's coach Denver Wannies and USA coach Julie McCoy have named their respective squads for the tournament Lady Cranes have also been invited to the prestigious USA Women's International Rugby Tournament in the picturesque San Diego, California.The tournament is due to take place on 9 and 10 February 2009 and will feature sides from countries such as USA, Canada, Kazakhstan, China, Australia and New Zealand, offering valuable international experience.The invitations are coming in thick and fast with the Lady Cranes landing another invitation to a tournament in South America.Plans are also under way for Uganda to host an international sevens tournament before the RWC finals. It is however not certain if the Lady Cranes will participate in the latter two international tournaments due to the high travel and accommodation costs involved.It is also not yet certain if the Uganda Government has stepped in to support the Lady Cranes who are the first team sport in open competition to qualify for a world cup. The team needs the best possible preparations to impress at the world stage in Dubai. Uganda Womens Sevens team list Forwards: Christine Kizito (captain), Asha Ssonko (Thunderbirds), Aliya Adania (Rangers), Fortunate Irankunda, Brenda Kayiyi (Black Panthers).Backs: Rosenburg Kanyunyuzi, Winnie Atyang, Harriet Kayonjo, Rachel Kakaire (Thunderbirds), Prossy Nakakande, Helen Buteme, Justine Bayiga (Black Panthers) Team Management: David Mutaka (Head Coach), Robert Seguya(Assistant Coach), Jeroline Akubu(Team Manager) Team Doctor: Dr. Connie Lady Boks Women's Team list: Yolanda Meiring (Blue Bulls), Natasha Hofmeester (Boland), Saloma Booysen, Lorinda Brown, Lamla Momoti, Marie-Lee Erasmus, Nomathamsanqa Faleni, Phumeza Gadu (All Eastern Province), Nombulelo Mayongo (Griffons), Aimee Barrett (KwaZulu-Natal), Nadine Barnard, Nomtha Xape (Both Western Province). Team Management : Denver Wannies (Coach), Orna Prinsloo (Team Manager), Tanushree Pillay (Physiotherapist), Nceba Hene (Fitness Coach). USA Women's Team list: Amy Daniels (Beantown), Tyshawn Henry (New York), Ellie Karvoski (New York), Pam Kosanke (Chicago North Shore), Teena Mastrangelo (Chicago North Shore), Alison Price (New York), Christy Ringgenberg (Minnesota Valkyries), Jen Starkey (NOVA), Donna Thomas (Kansas City Jazz), Kitt Wagner (Beantown), JoAnne Ward (Albany) and Kelly White (Belmont Shore). USA Women's Team Management: Julie McCoy (Coach), Chris Ryan and Drew Fautley (Assistant Coaches), Sadeana Green (Team Manager), Chris Franz (Administrator). |