Sports

Sports

Under-19 World Cup
Uganda: Working under many constraints
By Bernie Wijesekera
It’s a fairytale beginning for cricket in Uganda with the dawn of British colonialism at the start of the 20th century.

“The game was introduced by the then donors that be and CMS Missionaries schools to the natives. Despite a slow and slippery start, it to has taken a firm root. Their youth development and promoting programme has won acclaim from the world body (ICC) Awards. Thousands of boys and girls aged 16-19 from far and wide have taken to the willow wielding sport. Thanks to a dedicated band of administrators and volunteers actively involved and working for the right reasons”, said Uganda U-19 coach Sam Walusimbi.

An emerging nation from the African region where there is rich and opulence aplenty. To overcome these setbacks Uganda Cricket Association with an unstilted team effort, with the support coming from volunteers, sans a power struggle has got their act-together with a well structured programme for the future of cricket. Before long they could match other cricket playing nations in the region.

The Chairman of UCA Ivan Kyayonka has ensured, the sponsors got a healthy return on their investment. The fruits are bearing with this hard work with their under-19 team participating in the World Cup. The team has raised many an eyebrow when they qualified for the last junior world Cup held in Bangladesh in Feb. 2004. In the annals of sports in Uganda this was the first time in any discipline that they qualified for World Cup finals. Repeated again by qualifying for the 2006 World Cup in Sri Lanka

The reasons: The UGA’s total commitment of open, transparent accountability to their sponsors at all levels. The sponsors continued to grow for the game to spread its gospel to a wider spectrum.

They have massed out a five –year plan to continue to take part in the future World Cups too. The structure key areas – Mini cricket at grassroots level. Schools development, cricket Academies abdomen’s cricket – There is a great following. Club cricket, grounds, umpiring, National teams etc.

Today Uganda has active and determined people to uplift the sport at grassroots level. Awareness of the game. More playing finals (mat wickets). Maintain grass pitches to enable Uganda to make their skills at a higher level. The first green pitch was laid in Kampala in Feb. 2004 with the assistance of South African expertise.

Former World Cup player (South African team 1975), Sam Walusimbi is the Under-19 coach. He says the youth team is very talented, has the skills and the fighting spirit is at the very best. They have gained and all have gone through the tunnel.

The team is led by Hamza Almuzahim. In their group they will play against New Zealand, Pakistan and Bangladesh. The Under-19 team are true ambassadors. They have self-belief and play it hard.

In year 2003 the ICC voted the Uganda Schools Development Programme – the best in Africa. The next generations of Uganda cricket is bound to reap the harvest.

Manager – Justino Ligyaliagi, Physio – Andrew Maya. Sans a green pitch Uganda still qualified for the junior W.C. in Bangladesh. Their future looks bright with local and international support. The UCA looks forward to host and organize international tournaments in the future.

Top