Gazelles, Cricket Cranes stars lead Victoria Pearls support cast at Lugogo

Like any other national team hosting a sanctioned tournament, it’s always a bonus to have support from fans and fellow athletes, as was the case on Tuesday when the Victoria series got underway at Lugogo Cricket Lugogo.

The Victoria Pearls, who were in action against Rwanda on Tuesday afternoon, were graced by the presence of the Cricket Cranes and the Gazelles players, who cheered them on during the game.

Gazelles and JKL Dolphins guard Ritah Imanishimwe, a former bowler with the Victoria Pearls, told Pulse Sports about the importance of supporting each other.

“We have to support each other in sport; it means a lot. The Pearls supported us during the Zone V qualifiers, so we have returned the favour,” Imanishimwe told Pulse Sports.

Flavia Oketcho, Zaina Lokwameri. Brenda Ekone, Sara Ageno and Evelyn Nakyiyingi are the other Gazelles that attended the game.

Simon Ssesazi, Riazat Ali Shar, Juma Miyagi, Ham Ssenyondo and Franko Nsubuga were all in the stands to support their compatriots.

For Sesazi, seeing your fellow athletes in the stands is a huge motivating factor.

“When we hosted the DIV III cricket league tournament, so many people came and supported us, and it helped; that’s why we are here; they (girls) need us,” Uganda’s opening batsman noted.

The Victoria Pearls, who managed a seven-wicket victory over Rwanda, next face UAE on Thursday at the Lugogo Cricket Oval.