LYCA WOMEN’S T20 2025 – MATCHDAY 1 PREVIEW
Saturday, May 31, 2025
THE BUILD-UP!
The 2025 Lyca Women’s T20 storms back this Saturday with fresh energy, familiar rivalries, and bold new ambitions. With 10 teams split across two groups and a packed calendar ahead, Matchday One sets the stage for a fiercely competitive season.
Featuring new faces, strategic transfers, and the continued rise of academy-fed talent, Uganda’s premier women’s domestic cricket competition promises fireworks from the very first ball. Each matchday features double-headers, ensuring fans get a full dose of action.
Groups:
Group A: Soroti City CC, Pioneer CC, Wanderers CC, Tornado CC, Tornado Bees
Group B: Olila CC, Mukono Development CC, Jinja Association of Cricket Clubs (JACC), Jinja SS, Africa Cricket Club (ACC)
The top two from each group progress to the semi-finals ahead of the grand finale on July 20, 2025.
SATURDAY – MAY 31, 2025 – GROUP A FIXTURES
Soroti City vs Pioneer – Lugogo Cricket Oval – 10am & 2pm
Champions Return vs Challengers Recharged
Defending champions Soroti City CC begin their campaign against archrivals Pioneer CC in a mouthwatering opener steeped in competitive history.
Soroti, under the leadership of Janet Mbabazi, come stacked. They welcome U-19 international Racheal Achan, former Baby Victoria Pearls skipper Jimia Mohamed, all-rounder Ruth Akello, and the returning Christine Anayo. Backed by the Soroti Cricket Academy pipeline, their title defence starts with swagger and squad depth.
Pioneer, primarily built around players from Masaka SS, will not want to be mere pushovers. Coach Yusuf Nanga will rely on team chemistry and youth energy to unsettle the favourites. In a format where pressure turns tides, the early edge matters.
Wanderers vs Tornado – Entebbe Cricket Oval – 10am & 2pm
Repeat or Revenge?
Wanderers were dominant in 2024, twice dispatching Tornado with big-margin wins. Naome Kayondo and Alice Daniella Ayo co-captain a balanced side featuring youthful spark in Victoria Pearls opening bowler Irene Mutoni and Shadia Gilingish Nabulime, and new dynamism from Clare Ajego (top wicketkeeper, Girls Schools Week) and returnee Irene Alumo alias ‘Pace Mama’.
Tornado, molded around Ndejje SS students, have struggled for results in the past but gained valuable exposure. Coached by Shama Mukaaya, they return better-prepared and determined to flip the script in 2025.
SATURDAY – MAY 31, 2025 – GROUP B FIXTURES
Olila vs JACC – GM Sugar Oval – 10am & 2pm
Title Chasers Meet Rising Contenders
Finalists in 2024, Olila CC are keen to go one better this year. Now led by seasoned campaigners and national team hopefuls, their blend of experience and hunger makes them early favourites.
Their Matchday 1 opponents JACC, featuring young guns from the Jinja region, are debutants to watch. With momentum from grassroots programs and rising academy players, they arrive with ambition — ready to announce themselves on the big stage.
Mukono Development vs Africa CC – Mukono Oval – 10am & 2pm
The New Blood Battle
Two emerging outfits face off in what many are calling the “X-Factor” match of the day. Both Mukono Development CC and Africa CC are loaded with untested but talented players, mostly U19s and school standouts from the Mukono Community.
This clash isn’t just about points — it’s about belief. Whoever wins takes a vital step in Group B’s chaotic race for the semis. Watch out for some explosive batting from the young fearless players, daring fielding, and new stars breaking out.
FINAL WORD
The Lyca Women’s T20 2025 kicks off with high stakes and higher expectations.
Will Soroti start strong? Can Pioneer shock the champs? Who’ll grab early momentum in Group B? As Uganda’s best and brightest women cricketers take centre stage, Matchday One offers rivalries, redemption, and rising stars in full bloom. Let the chase begin!
STAY TUNED
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