Cricket News

Uganda U-19 bounced back to beat Vanuatu

After losing their opening game, Uganda bounced back to beat Vanuatu by four wickets at the South-East Ground.

Chasing 214, Uganda were driven by half-centuries by Deusdedit Muhumuza and Andrew Ochan, the opening batsman. Ochan's 57 led a strong opening stand of 118, but the innings suffered a hiccup. Four wickets fell for six runs, before Muhumuza came to the rescue and he stuck on to guide his team through. Earlier, Vanuatu were lifted by Patrick Matautaava's breezy 35-ball 52, batting at No. 7.

"I am very happy as we were under pressure after losing out first game. I am happy with my boys and we are all confident we can now do well," Ahmed Yakub, the Uganda captain, said.

Mukasa century seals memorable tour for Uganda

Reported by Cricinfo. August 25, 2009

Uganda 206 (Mukasa 117, DeSilva 4-40, Trott 4-42) beat Bermuda 161 (Foggo 54) by 45 runs Scorecard

Uganda opener Roger Mukasa's maiden century gave the visitors their second successive win over Bermuda in Hamilton.

A hurricane threat over the weekend forced the home board to cancel the two scheduled 50-over games and convert the Twenty20 to be played on Monday into a 50-over affair - the last national fixture for coach Gus Logie, whose contract with Bermuda will run out shortly.

Mukasa lost his opening partner for a duck soon after the team won the toss and chose to bat. Left-arm fast bowler Jordan DeSilva bowled Lawrence Sematimba and Davis Arinaitwe in quick succession to reduce Bermuda to 13 for 2. However Mukasa took the charge of the innings thereafter, scoring 82 of the 99 runs he added with captain Akbar Baig for the third wicket. No other batsman scored more than 19; extras added 26 to the total.

Mukasa took just 105 balls to score 117 at a strike-rate of 111.42. Uganda were in a dominant position of 166 for 5 in the 34th over but lost their last five wickets for 40 runs. DeSliva and offspinner Rodney Trott picked up four wickets each.

However Uganda's batting collapse did not affect the outcome of the match. Bermuda lost their top four to single figures and apart from a 47-run eighth-wicket stand between Chris Foggo (54) and Malachi Jones (38), were never in the chase. Uganda used eight bowlers to dismiss Bermuda in 48 overs. Offspinner Arinaitwe was the most successful with 2 for 22 in his ten overs.

Nsubuga gives Uganda the upper hand

Reported by Cricinfo. August 17, 2009

Uganda 71 for 4 (Baig 32*, Nsubuga 20*) trail Bermuda 91 (Nsubuga 4-20) by 20 runs

Uganda recovered from the loss of four quick wickets to move within 20 runs of Bermuda's paltry total on the opening day of the inaugural four-day Intercontinental Shield match at the National Sports Centre in Hamilton. Uganda, who had slumped to 10 for 4 at one stage after routing the home side, closed the day on 71 without further losses after heavy showers held up play in the afternoon.

Bermuda, who chose to bat, collapsed against a varied attack with only captain David Hemp (28) and Jekon Edness (20) offering any resistance. Opening bowlers Charles Waiswa, who took 2 for 10, and Dennis Tabby, with 2 for 23, pinned down Bermuda early with the first three wickets tumbling with just one run on the board. Uganda, who came to the island with a depleted team, were further boosted by spinner Frank Nsubuga, who claimed 4 for 20 from 9.5 overs, including Bermuda's last three wickets in just four balls.

The visitors were jolted early during their reply, before Akbar Baig (32) and Nsubuga (20) saw them through to stumps. Debutant left-arm pacer Kevon Fubler, who was doubtful for the match after he injured his back in training on Friday, was Bermuda's most successful bowler with 3 for 11.

Mpeka appointed first cricket CEO

Reported by Innocent Ndawula. July 28, 2009

Castle Lager National League

Weekend results – Super 7

Tornado B 84/10 Tornado 86/0

Plate League

Charity 295/10 Colombo 53/10

Premier 373/4 SKLPS 174/10

Uganda Cricket Association (UCA) has appointed veteran administrator Mpeka Muhumuza on a two-year contract as its first Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

From a pool of 24 applications, three candidates were deemed fit and interviewed for the top job in local cricket before Mpeka was proclaimed as the best man to steer cricket’s ambitious plans further.

The Regional Development Manager of Africa Cricket Association (ACA) Cassim Suliman attended the interviews held at Case Clinic Boardroom two weeks ago and together with the UCA executive opted for the 53-year-old Mpeka, who was a former treasurer of Nile CC in the 90s. He beat Juuko Suuna (44) and Francis Musanyana (51).

Mpeka, a former lecturer at Makerere University, begins work this Saturday August 1 and will be paid Shs2.5m per month. UCA will also provide the retired Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) Information Technology and Corporate Services Commissioner a car, free medical services and airtime worth Shs100,000 every month.

“Mpeka is an-all round sports administrator. He played Chess for Uganda at a competitive level and cricket while still in Kings College Budo and Makerere University. But he still has to show his worth during the three-month probation period,” disclosed a source on conditions of anonymity.

The appointment of a CEO is as per the International Cricket Council (ICC)’s requirements for the top Associates in the High Performance Programme (HPP) that must be in place before they can officially compete in the new-look Intercontinental Shield next Month.

Castle Lager Cricket League-WOMEN CRICKET WEEK 1 ROUNDUP

TEAM A CC 266/8 BEAT TEAM B CC 31 all out BY 235 RUNS AT LUGOGO

TEAM A batting: Stella Atim 66, Flavia Wanyana 41, Mackenzie Ayato 57 not out

TEAM B bowling: Carol Namugenyi 2/41, Jackie N Lutaaya 2/47

TEAM B bowling: Lillian Aliyinza 7/16, Mackenzie Ayato 3/16

NEXT WEEK’S FIXTURES:

Team A Vs Team C in Lugogo

Team B Vs Team D in Jinja

Castle Lager Cricket League- WEEK 6 ROUNDUP

Reported by Davis Turinawe. June 16, 2009

TORNADO B 166 all out LOST TO WANDERERS CC 170/2 BY 8 WICKETS AT LUGOGO

Tornado B batting: Solomon Seruga 40, Fred Isabirye 36, Cyrus Kibukamusoke 35

Wanderers Bowling: Deus Muhumuza 3/24, Peter Tusiime 3/40

Wanderers batting: Denis Musali 87 not out, Daniel Batuwa 61 not out

K.I.C.C. 146 all out LOST TO TORNADO CC 149/3 BY 7 WICKETS AT KYAMBOGO

K.I.C.C. batting: Bharat Godedra 37, Emmanuel Isaneez 21

Tornado CC bowling: Dennis Oboi 3/33, Akbar Baig 2/23

Tornado batting: Akbar Baig 40, Benjamin Musoke 41

Lara raises Shs115m for ‘New Home of Cricket’ project

Reported by Innocent Ndawula of the The Daily Monitor Monday June 10, 2009

Brian Charles Lara’s memorable eight-day visit of Uganda continued to reap dividends for Uganda Cricket Association (UCA) after Shs115m was raised from a corporate fundraising Dinner on Monday night at the Kampala Serena Hotel.

The raised money, together with the already internally collected Shs50m in UCA’s coffers, will kick-start the ‘New Home of Cricket’ project along Entebbe road. The new home will comprise of a tailor-made cricket academy with three pitches, a pavilion and an indoor gymnasium. Lara, a good will ambassador for Sport of Trinidad and Tobago, contributed $10,000 (Shs22m) from his sports foundation to the project.

Vaya Kumar, proprietor of Vaya Forex Bureau, showed immense generosity when he won the auction of the night for an MRF bat signed by Lara with a colossal offer of Shs34m. Other commendable offers came from Trinidad & Tobago and Lara ($12, 500 or Shs28m) Ice Mark Africa ($3,000 or Shs6.6m), BMS England Team ($3,000 or Shs6.6m), Presidential Advisor on Media John Nagenda (Shs3m) and Air Uganda (Shs4m).

With the auction done, UCA vice-chairman Shukla Mukesh crowned the night by forking out Shs30m to the project that is part of UCA chairman Dr. Kato Sebbaale 2012 vision.

“Lara is a genius and I’m glad that he is among us. The 400 he scored to reclaim his highest score in Test cricket actually saved my life,” said Nagenda. “I was ill and angry that Australian Matthew Hayden had broken his record against the ‘mighty’ Zimbabwe but that famous knock got me back full of life. He is a genius who should return to cricket,” said a jovial Nagenda at the dinner.

In his speech, the cricket icon not only lauded the organisation within the UCA ranks but also highlighted the areas of concern that needed serious attention. “I have been to many African countries but this is the most affable group I have come across. I have enjoyed my stay here, the lunch I had at the Source of the Nile in Jinja and I’m also looking forward to the trip to Rwanda as that country has a lot of history,” said Lara before adding

“I’m a little disappointed. Everybody wanted a piece of me but Uganda can create its own heroes. You could bring other talents like Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo and Muttiah Mularitharan here but it won’t be beneficial if you don’t nurture your own talent. We are meandering.”

U-13 win regional final

Reported by Norman Katende of the The New Vision Monday June 8, 2009

Tanzania 76/5

Uganda 77/2

(Uganda wins by 8 wickets)

Simon Ssesaazi spurred Uganda to the East Africa regional U-13 cricket trophy after beating Tanzania in Nakuru yesterday, reports Norman Katende.

Ssesaazi, who was man of the match and best bowler of the tournament, notched an unbeaten 15 runs to ensure that coach Fred Isabirye’s side triumphs.

Uganda reached the target of 76 in the 11th of the 20-over game with Lawrence Ssempijja (voted best batsman) hitting 26.

Olweny and Kamyuka steer Brampton Masters to first win

Tuesday June 1, 2009

Having lost the league opener to PCB Cricket Club in a match decided by D/L method after a rain interruption despite Kamyuka's impressive opening spell that saw him dismiss Canada's hardhitting batsman Rizwan Cheema for 0 before adding Pervez to his victims of the day.

In the second game against Viking Cricket Club in a low scoring game, Brampton Masters Parkdale Cricket Club batted first scoring 142 all out, Joel Olweny topscoring with 31 and Kamyuka chipping in 15. Brampton restricted Viking Cricket club to 85 all out during their chase with Kamyuka picking 2 two crucial wickets bringing his bolwing tally to 18 overs,4 wickets, 36runs.

Castle Lager Cricket Leagur- Week 5 Roundup

Tuesday May 31, 2009

WANDERERS CRICKET CLUB Vs KICC No result game

S.K.L.P.S- KLA 252/8 drew with PATIDAR SAMAJ CC AT LUGOGO OVAL (Match washed out)

S.K.L.P.S.- KLA batting: Sahnti Ragwani 69, Nandkishore Patel 44 Patiar CC bowling: Ankit Patel 3/53

PREMIER CC 91/5 IN 15.1 OVERS BEAT LAGAN CC 90/10 IN 31OVERS BY 5 WICKETS AT BUDO OVAL

Lagan CC batting: Mayur Modha 24, Pritesh Patel 15

Premier bowling: Davis Arinaitwe 4/35, Emma Nakaana 3/24

Premier batting: Asadu Seyiga 33 not out

CASTLE DEVELOPMENT XI V CHARITY XI (RESULTS NOT AVAILABLE BY MAILING TIME)

NCR Twenty20 to expand to East Africa

Reported by Innocent Ndawula & Sande Bashaija of the Daily Monitor. May 28, 2009.

Opening Fixtures

Saturday May 30 at Lugogo

South Africa v England

England v Pakistan

Pakistan v India

Group A:

Midcom India, MTN South Africa,Pakistan, BMS England

Group B:

Crane Bank East Africa,Rwenzori Uganda, Calypso Boys T &T, Transtel Sri Lanka

A T20 championship that brings together teams from East Africa is in the offing. Sanjiv Patel, the NCR sponsored Uganda Premier League (UPL) Twenty20 organizing committee head, revealed yesterday.

“The top three clubs from Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda will play in the new regional tournament,” Patel said while unveiling fixtures of this year’s UPL at Lugogo yesterday.

Action begins Saturday with eight teams taking part. “The UPL started out as a weekend of fun for community based players but our notion is to develop the game further throughout the region hence the initiation of the Twenty20,” Patel explained.

Legend Brian Lara will grace the finals on June 7.

Africa edge Rounders

Reported by Innocent Ndawula of the Daily Monitor. May 26, 2009.

Results - Super Seven

ACC 166/10 beat Rounders

146/10 by 20 runs

Plate League

Charity 216/10 beat JACC

76/10 by 140 runs

SKLPS 318/10 beat Lagan

40/10 by 278 runs

The cricket fans that turned up at Kyambogo oval on Sunday got their money’s worth when Africa Cricket Club clinched a 20-run win over hard battling Rounders in the Castle Lager National Cricket League.

It was the only fixture in the new-look Premier League dubbed Super Seven and despite many writing off Rounders as no-hopers, the Jinja-based side showed that they still have some fight and sting in their armoury.

After they won the toss and stuck ACC in to bat, Rounders bowled with purpose although ACC went on to reach 77 for 1. But when captain Narinder Singh, who picked the man of match award in the losing effort for his 4 wickets and 56 runs, introduced himself into the attack, it proved to be the turning point.

Six wickets fell for 35 runs as ACC crumbled to 112 for 7, but some late knocks by Davies Phil (22), Dennis Kiyingi (11*) and an earlier 40-ball-37 by opener Jacob Muddu helped ACC reach a compromising total of 166.

Ugandan stars to meet Cricket legend Lara

Reported by Michael Nsubuga of the New Vision. May 21, 2009.

The visit of West Indies cricket legend Brian Lara will help inspire and motivate domestic players, an official Latimar Mukasa said yesterday.

Mukasa, who is Uganda Cricket Association public relations officer, said while addressing a press conference.

A programme of Lara’s visit, set for 6-13, was unveiled at the press conference held at the Trinidad and Tobago embassy in Mbuya, Mukasa.

The high commissioner Patrick Edwards also spoke at the gathering. Mukasa said Lara’s visit was great thing for Uganda that will see him go to the Eastern and Western regions of the country.

‘‘Lara will interact with out players on a personal basis,” Mukasa said. “His impact will be substantial especially to the young players’’ Mukasa hastened to add.

He said Lara’s visit has attracted tremendous support and interest from different people and corporate bodies. Lara will also attend a twenty20 game between a Uganda select 11 and a team from Rwanda.

Trinidad and Tobago high commissioner Patrick Edwards said as an ambassador of sport, Lara’s visit will further strengthen and promote the good ties between the two countries.

Canada to stage U-19 World Cup Qualifiers

Reported by Cricinfo May 20, 2009.

Canada will host the ICC Under-19 World Cup Global Qualifier in September 2009, which Will see 10 Associate and Affiliate teams (two from each of the ICC’s five regions) battle for five places in the 2010 U-19 World Cup in Kenya.

Uganda and Sierra Leone, who won the Africa qualifiers in Zambia, will be joined by eight countries from the other four regions for the one-week tournament.

The announcement is subject to the finalisation of logistical and budgetary arrangements with the prospective hosts.

Uganda to play in ICC Intercontinental Cup

Reported by Martin Williamson of Cricinfo May 19, 2009.

The ICC has announced changes to the Intercontinental Cup which will see the introduction of two divisions featuring as many as 11 teams.

As revealed by Cricinfo earlier this month, Zimbabwe will also feature in the tournament, although this is still subject to ratification by Zimbabwe Cricket. Given that the country's participation in the tournament was one of the requirements in its attempts to return to the Test fold, it seems highly unlikely the board will reject the idea.

The decision, made by the ICC's development committee, means that Zimbabwe will join Ireland, Canada, Kenya, the Netherlands, Afghanistan and Scotland in a seven-team top division. The United Arab Emirates, Namibia, Bermuda and Uganda will play each other for the ICC Intercontinental Shield.

There will be a total of US$250,000 in prize money for the Associate teams with US$100,000 for the winners of the ICC Intercontinental Cup and US$40,000 for the runners-up. The winners of the ICC Intercontinental Shield will collect US$25,000 with the runners-up pocketing US$10,000 and matches in both divisions will have the prize of US$3,000 for an outright win.

While there was some speculation that the competition would be expanded to include one division of as many as ten sides, it is believed that this would have required too much of a commitment from what are essentially amateur players. It would also have had a significant budgetary on both the participants and the ICC.

By splitting the competition, it allows more countries to participate while ensuring that the commitment of them all remains manageable. The structure means that countries in the top division will play one less match than before.

'I'm delighted the Development Committee has been so positive and expansive in its approach to the ICC Intercontinental Cup, the flagship multi-day event for teams below Test level," said ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat. "This new format will allow the top six Associate teams to maintain a high standard of even competitiveness.

"Following the task team recommendations, we are in discussions with Zimbabwe Cricket for it to field a team in the competition and if it does so then I believe that will benefit all concerned. It will see the top six Associate teams come up against good quality, professional opposition and provide the Zimbabwean players with additional opportunities to play multi-day cricket, something essential for them to chart a course back to the Test arena.

"I am also delighted that, for the first time, the event has prize money for the Associate teams. It will assist in their ongoing process to professionalise their operations and that, in turn, will help them continue to raise their playing standards."

However, there will be no relegation and promotion between the divisions, and it is unclear whether matches in the Shield will be first-class, although the expectations are that they will be.

Castle League- Week 3 Roundup

Reported by Davis Turinawe May 18, 2009.

TORNADO CRICKET CLUB 253/10 IN 48 OVERS BEAT NILE CC 166/10 IN 37 OVERS BY 87 RUNS AT KYAMBOGO OVAL

Tornado batting: Frank Nsubuga 116, Keith Legesi 69

Nile CC bowling: Geoffrey Nyero 5/52

Nile CC batting: Roger Mukasa 46, Martin Ondeko 43

Tornado bowling: Frank Nsubuga 5/41

TORNADO B CRICKET CLUB 253/10 IN 48 OVERS BEAT ACC 164/10 IN 41OVERS BY 84 RUNS AT LUGOGO OVAL

Tornado B batting: Fred Isabire 65, William Kibukamusoke 47, John Mpande 27

ACC batting: Jacob Muddu 43, Brian Kiiza 38

Tornado B bowling: Emmy Kibirango 4/14

PATIDAR SAMAJ 170/10 IN 41OVERS LOST TO CHARITY XI 173/7 IN 31OVERS BY 3 WICKETS AT BUDO OVAL

Patidar Samaj batting: Jigar Patel 76

Charity bowling: Allan Senabulya 3/23, Jonathan Ssebanja 3/20

Charity batting: Jonathan Ssebanja 67 not out, Moses Okwera 23 not out

Plate League toast for national cricket stars

Reported by Innocent Ndawula of The Daily Monitor May 16, 2009.

Unlike in the past, the Plate League is destined to provide the thrills of this year’s Castle Lager National Cricket League.

The bulk of the national stars players have all be signed up by the big-spending lower division (Plate League) who are anxious to play in the Premier League (dubbed Seven) next season.

Premier Cricket Club (PCC) with seven stars including Lawrence Ssematimba, Asadu Sseyiga, Arthur Kyobe, Emmanuel Nakaana, Daniel Ruyange, Kenneth Kamyuka and Henry Kato in their ranks have become an overnight fierce and feared rival.

Their captain Rinku Trivedi has splashed cash in the club’s bid to reach the big stage and his charges haven’t disappointed so far. Premier has so far scored a combined total of 666 runs and bowled out its opponents for just 104 runs in its two games.

SKLPS C.C also have national team batsman Patel Nandikishor and a couple of Kenyan players in their ranks as they chase the two slots at stake for promotion to the Super Sevens next year.

SKLPS also won their first game of the season – a 41-run triumph over Uganda Charity Trust Fund (UCTF) sponsored Charity CC.

Charity also boasts of the bulk of the national U-19 core team members including captain Ahmed Yakub, Moses Okwera, Ahmed Sangauand Andrew Ochan.

Although the top hierachy at Uganda Cricket Association is not pleased with stars decision to play in the lower tier, it will help improve the overall standard of the game.

Kamyuka, Olweny off to Canada for semi-pro

Reported by Innocent Ndawula of The Daily Monitor May 14, 2009.

Stylish top-order batsman Joel Olweny and utility player Kenneth Kamyuka head to Canada today for six-month professional stints with Toronto-based Brampton Masters Cricket Club.

It will be Olweny’s maiden season in North America after similar stints with Johannesburg’s Lenasia CC in South Africa two years ago, whereas Kamyuka will be heading into his second season with last year’s finalists of the elite Toronto District Cricket Association (TDCA) Premier League.

“I’m delighted about playing for Brampton. They are the 2007 champions and reached the finals last year. They have a lot of talented guys in their squad and my target will be to cement a first team berth and later help them reclaim the league title,” Olweny told Daily Monitor.

Ugandan-born Henry Osinde (now a Canadian international) plies his trade for the same club where he holds the vice-captain’s mantle.

“This is good for Olweny. Maybe next time we shall have more Ugandans playing in the same league. It will help strengthen the national team. With both of us there, expect solid performances,” said Kamyuka.

President Museveni, Kagame to meet Lara

Reported by Innocent Ndawula of The Daily Monitor May 14, 2009.

A heavy schedule awaits West Indies legendary cricketer Brian Charles Lara when he jets into the country for his maiden tour of East Africa on June 6th – 13th.

On arrival aboard British Airways, Lara will be welcomed by the High Commissioner of Trinidad & Tobago, State Minister for Sports Charles Bakkabulindi and Uganda Cricket Association boss Dr Kato Sebbaale. He will hold a press briefing at the airport before checking in at Serena Hotel in Kampala.

On the same day, he will pay courtesy calls to the Mayor of Kampala Hajji Nasser Ntege Sebaagala and the Kabaka of Buganda His Majesty, Ronald Muwenda Kimera Mutebi II. He will wrap up the day with a brief tour of Kampala City.

Lara will travel to Jinja and interact with students from the cricket playing schools on the next day, meet with his countrymen living in Uganda before presiding over the awards ceremony of the NCR Twenty20 Championship at Lugogo.

On June 8, he will meet President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Minister of Foreign Affairs Sam Kuteesa, hold an interactive session with the national cricketers and later attend cultural evening on which local artistes Juliana Kanyomozi, Ragga Dee and Jose Chameleone have been lined up to perform.

On June 9, the former West Indies captain will head to Western Uganda. Lara travels to Rwanda the next day, meet President Paul Kagame and some of his cabinet members before presiding over a Twenty20 match between a select Uganda XI and Rwanda.

He will wrap up the tour with a visit to SOS Villages Kakiri, a working lunch with UCA and a corporate fundraising dinner to promote the game in Uganda.

Flying start for ACC

Reported by Innocent Ndawula of The Daily Monitor May 12, 2009.

ACC 289/8 KICC 47/10

Rounders 107/10 Wanderers 109/4

Plate League

SKLPS 192/10 Charity 151/10

Premier 369/7 JACC 57/10

Africa Cricket Club (ACC) and Wanderers got their campaigns in the new-look Castle Lager Super Seven League off to flying starts with easy wins on Sunday.

After brushing shoulders with relegation last season which they staved off at the death and losing powerful opener Arthur Kyobe to big-spending Premier, the jury was out on ACC.

But the 2006 and 2007 champions showed lots of resilience after stand-in captain Amos Brian Kyazze won the toss and opted to bat on a green seamer-friendly track.

ACC lost two early wickets at 21 for 2 but Richard Lwamafa with a run-a-ball century of 136, Brian Kiiza (45) and Ivan Thawithemwira (28) set about in rebuilding the innings as they set 289 for the loss of 8 wickets in 50 overs. Daniel Strachan with demonic figures of 5 wickets for 2 runs including 6 maidens in his 8-over spell, Ian Otim (3/22) and new signing Michael Abala (2/22) wrapped up the massive 244-run win for ACC as KICC crumbled for just 45 runs.

At Lugogo, all-rounder John Illukor picked two wickets as Wanderers restricted Rounders to 107 and later hit three sixes and three fours in his 34-ball-43 to inspire Sam Walusimbi's side to a crucial six wicket win.

In the Plate League, star-studded Premier recorded a massive 312-run win over Jinja Association of Cricket Clubs (JACC) at Jinja SS oval. Premier amassed 362. Openers Kyobe (68), Lawrence Ssematimba (71) and newly signed Emmanuel Naakana (50 & 5 wkts) were the stars.

Great Lara playing in the NCR Twenty 20

Reported by Charles Mutebi of The New Vision May 7, 2009.

CRICKET great Brian Lara will grace the 2009 NCR Twenty20 tournament which will be held June 6 and 7 at Kyambogo and Lugogo. The legendary batsman is scheduled to visit Uganda on ambassadorial duty but will honour the event.

The tournament founder and director Sangiv Patel said the sponsors NCR were pleased with the success of the inaugural event last year and have vowed to increase support.

“NCR have pledged that if the organisation and development of the event improves, they will again offer support,” he said. The tournament format will be similar to last year’s with two new community teams, United Arab Emirates and Trinidad and Tobago, added.

England, India, Pakistan, South Africa, Uganda and East Africa are the other teams.

Walusimbi praises bowlers

Reported by Innocent Ndawula & James Ssekandi of The Daily Monitor May 7, 2009.

H. Ssenyondo 4/15 v Nigeria

G. Nyero 6/7 v Sierra Leone

A. Sangau 4/10 v Zambia

A. Oduch 4/22 v Kenya

D. Muhumuza 5/12 v Tanzania

Sam Walusimbi, the national U-19 coach, rather than pick out his best player during Uganda’s successful International Cricket Council (ICC) Africa Zone qualifying campaign in Lusaka, heaped praise on his bowlers on the team’s return from Zambia.

“It had been raining three weeks before we got to Zambia. The rains softened the wickets and they were slow. Batting was very hard for not only Uganda but all the other teams. But I thank the bowlers who got us out of trouble all the time. The fielders did well to support them too,” Walusimbi told the journalists, who took advantage of his lunch break at Oasis Restaurant in Lugogo, to have a chat with him.

Geoffrey ‘Job Job’ Nyero, a multi - faceted youngster, was the pick of Uganda’s performers with a devastating medium pace bowling spell of 6 for 7 in 8 overs that included a hat-trick in his second over. Nyero picked up two Man-of-Match (MOM) awards for his efforts throughout the qualifier. The other award was for his winning knock of 23 runs not out that helped Uganda edge Botswana by one-wicket.

Pace man Ahmed Sangau (4/10 versus Zambia), spinner Henry Ssenyondo (4/15 versus Nigeria), medium pacer Deus Muhumuza (5/12 versus Tanzania) and captain Ahmed Yakub with a steady inning of 47 against Kenya also picked an MOM accolade apiece.

“They boys know what is at stake and want to do well. We shall have a meeting and discuss our next preparations soon,” added Walusimbi.

Uganda and surprise package Sierra Leone will represent Africa at the ICC Global Qualifier scheduled for Singapore in September.

The top two teams from Asia (Hong Kong and Afghanistan), the Americas, Europe and East Asia Pacific region will compete for the five places at stake to qualify for U-19 World Cup which will be held in Nairobi, Kenya next year.

Uganda wins ICC U-19 qualifiers

Reported by Innocent Ndawula of The Daily Monitor May 5, 2009.

Uganda 94/10 beat Seierra Leone 35/8 by 40 runs (D/L Method)

Uganda’s U-19 cricketers showed a lot of character as they defeated Sierra Leone by 40 runs under the Duckworth and Lewis Method to win the ICC Africa Zone Junior World Cup qualifiers in Lusaka, Zambia yesterday.

On an unpredictable turf at Lotus Sports Club oval, Uganda crumbled for a paltry 94 but were saved by the bowlers who pegged the high-riding Sierra Leone to 12 for 7 at one.

Victory ensured that Uganda reaches the penultimate global qualifier where they will join Afghanistan, Hong Kong and other top teams from the world.

Reported by Innocent Ndawula of The Daily Monitor May 5, 2009.

Results – Super Seven

Nile 302/7 Tornado B 132/10

KICC v Tornado (postponed)

Plate League

Premier 297/9 Colombo 96/10

Lagaan 148/10 JACC 120/10

National opening batsman Roger Mukasa Galiwango blazed a quick-fire ton of 190 off 95 balls to help Nile obliterate Tornado B by 165 runs in the opening tie of the 2009 Castle Lager National Cricket Super Seven League at Lugogo oval on Sunday.

Mukasa, 19, hit the living daylights out of Tornado B’s bowlers in his adventurous knock that featured 26 fours and seven mighty sixes. His knock was the highlight of the opening day of the new-look league that attracted 15 teams (two more than last season) and promises to be a thriller.

Ronald Ssemanda added 38 runs and youngster John Tumusiime contributed 27 as Nile raced to 302 for 7 in the allotted 38 overs.

Tornado B’s bowlers Fred Isabirye (85 in 8 overs) and Jeremy Kibuukamusoke (33 in 3 overs) were cantered all over the park and couldn’t do much either as their team crumbled to 135 all out. The ‘who is who’ of local cricket was however in Budo playing for the big spending Premier C.C against newly registered Colombo C.C.

Arthur Kyobe (71 off 48), Kenneth Kamyuka (88 off 64) and Daniel Ruyange (36 off 32) and Asadu Sseyiga (13 off 13) fired after Lawrence Ssematimba (4 runs & 2 catches) missed out on the runs galore.

May 4, 2009.

It was a meeting of the titans.

And those who witnessed it were fortunate as it is unlikely to happen again.

West Indies legend Brian Lara was seen giving Barack Obama a free batting lesson at the newly re-named Obama Terrace, Hilton Trinidad, St Ann's, on Sunday.

The world record holder also presented the United States President an autographed cricket bat, which read: "To the President of the United States, Barack Obama, in appreciation of your visit to T&T ?Best Wishes" .

Obama seemed keen to know more about cricket and the West Indies legend showed him the proper batting stance and gave a few tips regarding the forward defensive stroke as well as the classic cover drive.

Later, Lara revealed it was on the invitation of the White House that he met with Obama and that it was a great honour.

The latter on his part described Lara as the Michael Jordan of cricket.

"I always wanted to meet the Michael Jordan of cricket," is how president Obama apparently greeted Lara.

The batting great was also impressed with Obama's personality.

Reported by Charles Mutebi of The New Vision May 1, 2009.

Zambia 103/10, Uganda 104/6

Saturday:

Uganda v Botswana

BOWLER Ahmed Sangua provided evidence of his potential by plundering a remarkable 4-9 to help Uganda defeat Zambia by four wickets yesterday. The result put the national under-19 team’s plans of qualifying for the World Cup back on track.

Uganda went into the match against the ICC Under-19 World Cup Qualifier hosts after a close defeat to Namibia the previous day. Sangua ensured there would be no repeat of defeat with a wicket-taking spell that restricted Zambia to 103 in 43 overs.

Captain Ahmed Yakoub then top-scored with 30 before Emmanuel Nakaana’s 27 n/o saw Uganda complete the chase with seven overs to spare.

They take a rest today before playing Botswana tomorrow. Uganda have won three of four matches.

Reported by Innocent Ndawula of The Daily Monitor May 1, 2009.

With the dust having settled on the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup qualifiers in South Africa, it is back to local action for the national stars.

And with just two days to the kick off the Castle Lager National Cricket League, the fifteen clubs that have registered for the new-look showpiece are chasing the signatures of the famed players whom they want to be in their ranks. But unlike in the past when the players plied their trades for mere peanuts, the stars have made it clear that the highest bidders with the biggest cash offers will get their services.
Diminutive wicket-keeper batsman Lawrence Ssematimba, all-rounders Kenneth Kamyuka, Ronald Ssemanda and Raymond Otim (all formerly of Tornado B) and witty paceman Asadu Sseyiga (Wanderers) are most the wanted men.

Ssematimba, in particular, is being hunted by four Plate League clubs including Kutchimadu (now SKIP CC), Premier, newly registered Colombo CC and Lagaan CC. Newly promoted Kampala Institute Cricket Club (K.I.C.C) captained by former national wicket-keeper/opening batsman Bharat Ghodadra has also approached Ssematimba.

“I will not play for any club until I get my lump-sum sign on fee. I want to play for Shs2.5m this season but some clubs want to pay more. I will play for the highest bidder,” Ssematimba told Daily Monitor after warming-up for the season with a match-winning 68 for Premier against KICC last Sunday. Premier however has an upper hand on the player’s destiny.
After having agreed to terms with ACC, Daily Monitor has learnt that Otim has again shifted camp to record champions Tornado who are allegedly offering a better deal.

Ssemanda has been wooed by Enock Barumba’s free-spending Nile CC whereas the immensely talented duo of Kamyuka and Roger Mukasa has shown intention to play for the lower sides who are offering them more money. Top order batsman Nandkishor Patel has confirmed to feature for Kutchimadu CC.

ACC, who acquired the services of young blood Saul Kisikwe and Michael Abala into their ranks, are also struggling to hold onto the exciting talent of Arthur Kyobe.

Reported by Innocent Ndawula of The Daily Monitor April 29, 2009.

Uganda 129/10 lost to Namibia 130/7 by 3 wickets

Nigeria 44/10 S. Leone 45/0

Botswana 88/10 Namibia 68/10

Zambia 175/10 Kenya 65/10

Today:

Uganda v Zambia

Uganda’s U-19 cricket team faltered along the way in their bid to qualify for the 2010 Junior World Cup when they lost by two wickets to Namibia in Lusaka, Zambia yesterday. The global showpiece will be hosted by Kenya.

Coach Sam Walusimbi's youngsters were bundled out for 129 after Uganda batted first. Openers Henry Ssenyondo and Ham Kayondo finally came to the party with 29 and 14 runs respectively, captain Ahmed Yakub added 18 whereas all-rounders Deus Muhumuza (14) and Daniel Batuwa (13) ably chipped in but Uganda’s total remained dismal.

During the run chase, Namibia lost wickets at regular intervals as Uganda’s bowlers upped the ante. Namibia though still managed to sail home with two wickets in hand and five balls to spare.

Needing five runs to win off the last over, Ugandan fielder Andrew Ochan was the villain of the day when he overthrew the first ball of the penultimate over for four runs to hand Namibia victory. Today Uganda face hosts Zambia.

Uganda cruch Nigeria in U-19 qualifier

Sam Walusimbi cautious as U-19s leave for Zambia

West Indies legend Brian Lara to visit Uganda

Uganda ends in 10th place

Sam Walusimbi wins ICC Lifetime service award

Uganda out of ICC World Cup tourney

© Uganda Cricket Association 2009

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Telephone: 256 41 231 479 / 343 688
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