Marion Malinga
Uganda Cricket Association's calendar for 2023 opened with one of it's new products, the second edition of the T20 Elite League.
It was a competition that had both male and female players compete, and one that attracted some of the best players from across the continent.
Dubbed the 'Waterfalls', three franchise teams including Bujjagali Rafters, Itanda Kayakers and Sipi Trekkers were formed in relation to the edition's name- the Waterfalls.
The female version got the event started on January 19 at the Lugogo Cricket Oval, with players from Kenya and Rwanda joining the party. Rwandan captain Marie Diane Bimenyimana and Sarah Uwera represented Uganda's neighbors from the south-west while Veronica Abuga and Vanessa Adhiambo had Kenya represented.
Sipi Trekkers bowled the tournament off with a 7-wicket loss against Itanda Kayakers, but brushed that loss off to come out as champions of the event, beating the same opposition in the final by 21 runs. But in spite of their loss, Itanda's Proscovia Alako was voted the Player of the Tournament.
In the men's version, Itanda Kayakers won a thrilling final against Bujjagali Rafters by 29 runs. Youngster Ronald Lutaya who scored the only century of the tournament - that came in that final- was named the tournament MVP.
Three countries including Botswana, Rwanda and Malawi were represented here. Botswana captain Karabo Mothlanka, Donex Kasonkho, Blessings Pondani, Sami Sohail (Malawi), Kevin Irakoze, Orchide Tuyisenge and Ignace Ntirenganya (Rwanda) were the foreign players that graced the event that climaxed on 29th January.
"The event ticked more positives than shortfalls as it holistically gave elite opportunities to various stakeholders from players, coaches, managers, umpires, commentators & even administrators like myself.
"I can only hope the event continues to grow from strength to strength in the best interests of Uganda cricket." Davis Karashani, the tournament director said of the event.