17-year-old Irene Mutoni poised for Victoria Pearls debut

Seventeen-year-old Irene Mutonyi is set to make her debut with Uganda’s senior women’s cricket team, the Victoria Pearls, as the nation prepares to host the Lyca Women’s Day Cup.

A senior four student at St. John’s Senior Secondary School in Mukono, Mutonyi’s exceptional fast bowling skills have caught the attention of selectors, earning her a spot on the senior team.

Mutoni’s rise to prominence began last year when she represented Uganda’s under-19 team, the Baby Victoria Pearls, in Kigali.

In the tournament, she was impressive, taking 4 wickets in 4 innings.

More notably, she maintained an excellent economy rate of 2.64, proving to be a deadly force during the power-play in all her matches.

Mutoni with her under-19 teammates while in Kigali last year

In addition to her under-19 success, Mutonyi made her third appearance at the Girls National Schools Tournament, also known as Girls Schools Cricket Week, where she represented her school, St. John’s SS.

She has also played for Wanderers Cricket Club.

In recognition of her rapid progress, Mutonyi was named the Female Rising Star of the Year at the UCA Annual Awards in 2024.

UCA Award winners 2024

Mutonyi’s accolades don’t stop there. In 2023, she was named the MVP/Best Bowler in Division 2 while playing for St. John’s Cricket Club, under the Mukono Cricket Community.

Mutoni with the player of MVP and Best Bowler Award in 2023

Her remarkable combination of height, pace, and strength has made her a standout talent, which is why she was chosen over other senior players, such as Evelyn Anyipo.

Victoria Pearls head coach Deus Muhumuza shared his thoughts on Mutoni’s potential:

“Mutoni is not only a young player we’re looking to for the future, but her bowling discipline, creativity, and fielding have propelled her up the ranks. She has the right attitude to back up her talent.

As we look to build a team that will take us to new heights, we’ll see many young players like her join the Victoria Pearls.”

Mutoni’s senior debut will come in the upcoming Lyca Women’s Day Series, where Uganda will face off against Nepal, Namibia, and Hong Kong.

Each team will bring a mix of experienced players and rising stars, making the tournament an exciting showcase of women’s cricket talent.

The series, scheduled for March 7-17, 2025, at the Entebbe Cricket Oval, promises to deliver high-intensity action as the best associate cricketing nations battle for supremacy.

Victoria Pearls Squad: 1. Janet Mbabazi (C) 2. Consy Aweko, 3. Immaculate Nakisuyi, 4. Kevin Awino, 5. Rita Musamali, 6. Stephanie Nampiina, 7. Sarah Walaza, 8. Sarah Akiteng, 9. Phiona Kulume, 10. Proscovia Alako, 11. Malisa Ariokot, 12. Irene Mutoni, 13. Patricia Malemikia, 14.Esther Iloku