The 2016 Uganda Sports Press Association (Uspa) Female Cricket of the Year didn’t rest on her laurels in 2017. That is a hallmark of a true champion.
Nampiina took over the captaincy mantle at Jinja Secondary School from Claire Mushakamba and led from the front victory-hungry side pursued a previously elusive Jazz Safari National Women’s League title.
Nampiina, who has evolved her style from just a mere leg-spinner to a purposeful mid-order hard-hitting batter, snapped up the Most Valuable Player’s award ahead of Olila High School captain Joyce Mary Apio enroute Jinja bagging their first title.
And for Jinja SS, their title will be the more memorable because they attained it on the final day of the season courtesy of a six-wicket victory over Tornado Bee at the University Oval in Kyambogo.
Rubbing away tears
They lost to Olila High early in the season in the final of the Mehta T20 League but they were able to hold off Olila High and win their maiden title. Jinja SSS are also the Girls Schools Cricket Week champions adding to their maiden league title.
Nampiina’s laurels continued in the year as she was part of the Lady Cricket Cranes that stunned the continent with victory over Zimbabwe in the final to emerge African Champions.
Apio took consolation awards as Best Bowler and Best Fielder while her counterpart Damalie Busingye, a Rwandan international, was adjudged Best Batter with 142 runs from just five innings.
Nampiina and her comrades also pocketed Uganda Shillings One Million for their feat and will be hungry to repeat their heroics last term.
WOMEN DIVISION ONE INDIVIDUAL WINNERS
Most Valuable Player: Stephanie Nampiina (Jinja SS) - 104 runs, 8 wickets, 5 dismissals
Best Batter: Damalie Busingye (Olila HS) - 142 runs in 5 inns
Best Bowler: Joyce Mary Apio (Olila HS) - 12 wickets
Best Fielder: Joyce Mary Apio (Olila HS) - 7 dismissals
Best Wicket-keeper: Kevin Awino (Jinja SS) - 10 dismissals