Miyaji, Olipa Arrive In Zimbabwe For NPL T20 Blast Development Opportunity

OCTOBER 6. Cricket Uganda is pleased to confirm the safe arrival of national men’s team players; Juma Miyaji and Gerald Olipa in Harare, Zimbabwe, where they will participate in the 2026 National Premier League (NPL) T20 Blast as part of Zimbabwe Cricket’s African Player Initiative.

The two Cricket Cranes players; Miyaji and Olipa, will feature for Old Hararians and Takashinga Patriots 1 respectively, joining eight young players from four African Associate nations selected for the regional development initiative.

Miyaji, a right-hand bowling all-rounder born on April 5, 2003, will represent Old Hararians, while 18-year-old right-hand batter Olipa, born on September 17, 2008, will turn out for Takashinga Patriots 1.

African development platform

The NPL T20 Blast, Zimbabwe Cricket’s premier club T20 competition, brings together the two Ugandans with players from Nigeria, Rwanda and Tanzania, creating an important cross-border platform for African Associate cricket.

The other invited players are Laksh Snehal Bakrania and Dhrumit Atul Mehta of Tanzania, Ignace Ntirenganya and Oscar Manishimwe of Rwanda, and Elijah Saturday Jimmy and Prosper Buden-Ikpe Useni of Nigeria.

Kavuma welcomes opportunity

Cricket Uganda President Jackson Kavuma welcomed the initiative and thanked Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) for creating the opportunity for the players.

“A big thank you to ZC for granting our players this valuable opportunity for playing time and exposure,” Kavuma said.

“We hope they return as better and more improved players carrying with them the skills, experience and knowledge gained to share with and inspire their teammates back home.”

Kavuma said the initiative was also significant beyond Uganda, as it strengthens collaboration among African Associate nations.

“This opportunity is an important step in uplifting Africa Cricket Association (ACA) cricket among our member states and we hope to continue benefiting from such meaningful synergies and partnerships.”

He also recognised ZC Chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani, Managing Director Givemore Makoni and General Manager – Cricket Affairs Wonder Chisango for supporting the initiative.

Miyaji ready for the challenge

For Miyaji, the opportunity is one he intends to embrace fully after learning about his selection following a training session.

“It’s an opportunity for me that I can’t take for granted because out of very many I was one of those they opted for, so I’m excited for the big task,” Miyaji said.

“It’s a big one because Zimbabwe is a big nation. Definitely there will be competition, which is good for my development, and I’m going to give all my best to play well.”

Olipa eyes improvement

Olipa said the opportunity provides an important platform to test himself at a major competition and continue developing both mentally and physically.

“I think it’s a big opportunity for me to showcase at a major event,” Olipa said.

“It’s also a big chance for me to develop my game both mentally and physically.”

Abuja connection

Both players are expected to be hosted by ZC during their stay.

The opportunity comes at an important point in Uganda’s international calendar. The Cricket Cranes are preparing for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub Regional Qualifier in Abuja, Nigeria, from October 18 to 25, and the experience gained by Miyaji and Olipa in Zimbabwe could prove valuable as Uganda finalises its preparations.

Should either player earn competitive playing time during the NPL T20 Blast, they will have an opportunity to experience Zimbabwean conditions, adapt to a different T20 environment, learn alongside and compete against established local players, and return to the national set-up with additional match exposure immediately before the Abuja assignment.

Broader African pathway

The NPL initiative is therefore not only an individual development opportunity for Miyaji and Olipa but also part of a broader African cricket development pathway, with Zimbabwe providing a competitive platform for emerging players from Associate nations.

Cricket Uganda looks forward to seeing the two players make the most of the opportunity and bring their experience back to the Cricket Cranes and the wider Ugandan cricket community.

PLAYER PROFILE –  JUMA MIYAJI

Name: Juma Miyaji

Nationality: Ugandan

Date of birth: April 5, 2003

Age: 23

Playing Role: Bowling all-rounder (Right-hand bat)

2026 NPL T20 Blast Club: Old Hararians

PLAYER PROFILE – GERALD OLIPA

Name: Gerald Olipa

Nationality: Ugandan

Date of Birth: September 17, 2008

Age: 18

Playing Role: Right-hand bat (also Off Spin)

2026 NPL T20 Blast Club: Takashinga Patriots 1

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