Entebbe | September 2026
Persist Until Something Happens (PUSH) Cricket Academy made history by becoming the first Ugandan academy to host a visiting team from outside the country, capping the landmark occasion with a 4-2 series victory over Kenya’s Nakuru Pirates.
The series, played at the Entebbe Cricket Oval, featured a mix of T20 and 50-over matches and provided a valuable platform for young players from both sides to compete, learn and build relationships across borders.
The opening two matches were abandoned following the delayed arrival of the Nakuru Pirates, but once the series got underway, both teams produced an entertaining contest.
Nakuru Pirates claimed the opening T20 on September 22, winning by six wickets after bowling PUSH out.
Allan Kibabii was the standout bowler for the visitors with three wickets, while Anthony Ndungu and Kelvin Nganga picked up two wickets each.
PUSH responded strongly in the second T20, powered by a stunning century from Robert Owili.
Owili smashed 101 off just 47 balls, including 11 boundaries and seven sixes, as PUSH posted 191/8 in their 20 overs.
Nakuru Pirates fought back in the chase, reaching 182/9, but PUSH held their nerve to secure a nine-run victory.
PUSH continued their strong run the following day, winning both matches.
They took the morning game by six wickets under the DLS method before completing another DLS victory in the afternoon, this time by eight wickets.
The first 50-over encounter on September 24 saw Nakuru Pirates return to winning ways.
PUSH was bowled out for 133 in 33.4 overs, with the visitors chasing down the target in 23.5 overs to win by seven wickets.
PUSH, however, saved their best response for the final day.
Batting first, PUSH posted 246 all out in 38 overs, with Hariom Dhudarejiya making 54 and Robert Owili continuing his impressive series with 85.
Yusuf Khamala was the pick of the Nakuru Pirates bowlers with three wickets.
The visitors struggled in the chase and finished on 130/9 in 26.5 overs.
Raymond Kagera claimed three wickets for PUSH, while Hariom added two as the hosts secured a commanding 116-run victory.
PUSH consequently won the series 4-2, with Nakuru Pirates’ two victories both coming while chasing.
Beyond the results, however, the series offered much more than cricket.
The historic visit provided an opportunity for players and officials from Uganda and Kenya to strengthen friendships, exchange experiences and build relationships through the game.
Speaking at the conclusion of the series, PUSH Cricket Academy proprietor Jackson Ogwang described the tour as an important milestone in the academy’s growth and its wider mission of supporting young cricketers.
“We are glad to have successfully held this series, as it is a major step in the growth of our academy.
We continue to support disadvantaged communities, especially those in the ghettos, by giving different players an opportunity to access the game, test themselves and improve their skills as they pursue their dreams,” Ogwang said.
He added that the series had created a lasting relationship between the two academies and thanked the parents, partners and sponsors who contributed to its success.
“We believe this is an everlasting relationship, and we are grateful to all the parents, partners and sponsors who made this possible,” he added.
Nakuru Pirates head coach Peter Ongondo also expressed his appreciation for the hospitality extended to his team during their stay in Uganda.
“We are grateful for the hospitality and happy to have spent the last week in Uganda.
We have enjoyed our stay here, especially the cricket, and we look forward to hosting PUSH in Nakuru in the near future,” Ongondo said.
The exchange has opened the door for further engagements between the two academies, with a return tour to Nakuru now providing the next opportunity for the relationship to grow through cricket.
The series also continued PUSH’s growing cross-border cricket engagements.
Last year, the Ugandan academy travelled to Nairobi, where they played matches against Obuya Cricket Academy.
The successful series against Nakuru Pirates marks another important step in PUSH Cricket Academy’s development and its efforts to use cricket as a bridge between young players and communities across East Africa.
INDIVIDUAL AWARDS
Best Batter – Allan Kababii (Nakuru Pirates)
Best Bolwer – Anthony Ndungu (Nakuru Pirates)
MVP- Robert Owili (PUSH Cricket Academy)