The Hunted. Kutchi Tigers pose with the 2024 UCA Men’s 50 Over League trophy. The reigning champions kick off their title defence this weekend with an away clash against Ceylon Lions in Kamengo. PHOTO/COURTESY - JOHN BATANUDDE
MATCHDAY 2 PREVIEW - 2025 NATIONAL MEN’S 50 OVER LEAGUE
Weekend of April 5–6, 2025
THE PRELUDE
The dust has barely settled from Matchday 1, and already the 2025 UCA National Men’s 50 Over League is bubbling with promise. As teams settle into their rhythm, Matchday 2 throws up a cocktail of local derbies, grudge matches, and the debut of fresh talent, all sprinkled with early-season selection drama and strategic shifts.
Division Two action takes center stage on Saturday, before the big boys of Division One roll out on Sunday. The weekend also marks the league debuts of both St. John’s SS CC and JACC (Divison 1), while seasoned clubs like Wanderers, Rounders, and Tornado Bees search for early momentum.
SATURDAY – APRIL 5, 2025
DIVISION TWO FIXTURES
As the sun rises over Uganda’s cricket ovals this Saturday, Division Two action takes center stage with two regional showdowns set to spark early season narratives.
Nile CC vs Budo CC – Entebbe Cricket Oval
A fixture laced with redemption and rivalry.
Nile CC, still smarting from twin 10-wicket losses to Budo in last season’s T20 showdowns, have their sights set on a statement win at the lake-view oval. While Nile have kept faith in their core squad and will be looking to avenge those defeats and prove their mettle in the longer format, Budo will miss the influential duo of Robert Owili and Ali Balidawa, both currently on international duty with Uganda’s U-19 side in Lagos. It’s a chance for new heroes to emerge.
Mukono Development vs St. John’s SS CC – Florida Oval, Mukono
The Mukono derby comes with an added layer of intrigue as newcomers St. John’s SS CC make their league debut. They’ll face a seasoned Mukono Development side that earned a walkover last weekend and will be looking to get real game-time under their belt. Both sides are school-based outfits – youthful, raw, and ready to prove that the next generation of cricketers is not just talented but ready for the spotlight.
Note: No fixture at Lugogo on Saturday as it hosts the Central Region Girls Schools Cricket Week qualifier and thus remains unavailable for league action.
SUNDAY – APRIL 6, 2025
DIVISION ONE & TWO FIXTURES
From Mukono to Kamengo and Jinja to Lugogo, Sunday delivers a full buffet of top-flight and second-tier action—complete with derbies, debutants, and new-look squads testing chemistry.
DIVISION ONE MATCHES
⚔️ Wanderers CC vs Avengers CC – Lugogo Cricket Oval
Experience vs exuberance.
Wanderers, last season’s Division One runners-up, welcome the fresh energy of Avengers, who topped Division Two in 2024. The capital clash will be missing Avengers’ all-rounder Harsh Panchal, now with Mukono Warriors, but features the explosive Pius Oloka - a signing from Rounders who adds depth. Wanderers are not resting either, having signed spinner Jaffer Ochaya from Tornado Bees. Sparks will fly as it is a classic ‘Old Guard vs New Blood’ scenario.
Aboojo CC vs Tornado Bee CC – Entebbe Cricket Oval
Tornado Bee are threadbare this weekend—losing three stars, Musa Majid Ramathan, Gurjivan Singh, and Aziz Tandia, to the U-19 qualifiers.
Aboojo, meanwhile, begin a new era under skipper Innocent Mwebaze, taking over from Pascal Murungi. Their last meeting ended in a four-wicket win for Aboojo, with the reverse leg rained off. These two sides share a balanced recent history but it’s the Bees that will hope their bench rises to the occasion.
JACC vs Rounders CC – Jinja SS Oval
The Jinja derby returns with fresh stakes.
JACC, tasting Division One action for the first time, host a slightly depleted Rounders side missing top performers like Jonathan Nyiro, Richard Sohera, and Pius Oloka (now with Avengers). However, there’s excitement around the part-time return of Brian Mark Masaba, Uganda’s former national captain, who is expected to feature more this season - though not in the derby where pride will be the currency.
Fun Fact: Rounders narrowly missed top-flight qualification last year before receiving a lifeline due to Patidar’s withdrawal. JACC will look to make that count.
Ceylon Lions vs Kutch Tigers – Kamengo Oval
This is more than a title defence—it’s a reputation to protect.
Kutch Tigers, reigning champions and league pace-setters, face a tricky away trip to Ceylon Lions, who’ve gone big in the transfer market. The Lions now boast seasoned campaigners Frank Nsubuga (from Wanderers) and Jonathan Kiiza (ex-Soroti City). Even without Fahad Mutagana and Hasith Dilhara, Ceylon will be no pushovers at Kamengo. The Tigers, too, are hungry and will want their prey in their midst before sunset.
DIVISION TWO MATCHES
⚡ SKLPS CC vs Mukono Warriors – Florida Oval
The Mukono Warriors, one of Division Two’s most structured sides, will look to stamp authority against SKLPS, who are searching for consistency. It’s early days, but every point counts in this tightly contested division.
GM Sugar CC vs Premier CC – GM Sugar Oval
The hosts GM Sugar CC, will be making a debut in the league as their ground (GM Sugar Oval) also hosts the first league game. With Premier CC hungry for points and eager to test their mettle in Lugazi, expect a fierce contest at GM Sugar Oval.
STORYLINES TO FOLLOW:
- U-19 Absentees: Multiple sides will be missing key names as Uganda’s next-gen talents battle in Lagos, Nigeria at the ICC U-19 Men’s World Cup Africa Division I Qualifiers.
- New Captains & Signings: Leadership changes are in focus—Aboojo’s Innocent Mwebaze and others will be under the microscope as well as notable transfers like Jaffer Ochaya, Frank Nsubuga and Pius Oloka.
- Derbies & Debuts: Mukono and Jinja rivalries renew, while St. John’s SS CC join the league family.
- Eyes on Kamengo: All eyes will be on the Lions-Tigers duel—a potential early title-shaping encounter.
- Rounders Redemption Arc: After missing promotion by a whisker last year and only getting to dine with the big boys by an ounce of luck, Rounders have a point to prove.
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