Uganda’s Cricket Cranes more or less guaranteed themselves a place in the ILT20 Continent Cup following a 108-run win over Botswana on Monday.

The win inspired by Simon Ssesazi who played his best game with bat in hand to score 85 off 53 balls kept Ugaanda’s unbeaten streak at the tournament intact after six games.

Botswana won the toss and elected to bowl but Uganda’s opening pair of Fred Achellam (25) and Simon Ssesazi (85) put on 57 inside 6 overs before the former was dismissed.

Shrideep Mangela (65) carried on from where Achelam left off with Ssesazi whose departure gave skipper Riazat Ali Shah (36) a chance to flourish at the back of the innings with the Cricket Cranes finishing on 229/3 in their 20 overs.

In the run chase, Raghav Dhawan and Riazat Ali Shah opened the bowling for Uganda as the two premier fast bowlers Juma Miyagi and Cosmas Kyewuta were rested.

However, it was the slow bowlers Joseph Baguma (2/20), Alpesh Ramjani (2/29), Henry Ssenyondo (1/15), and Frank Nsubuga (1/12) that got the job done for Uganda.

Botswana ran out of balls with the score at 121/7.

The Cricket Cranes like all other teams have three group phase matches to play before the final. Uganda will play Nigeria on Wednesday, Rwanda on Thursday, Botswana on Friday and the final on Saturday.

• Africa Netball Cup | Result
• Uganda 49-50 Zimbabwe

The Uganda Women’s Netball National Team, the She Cranes, suffered a narrow 50-49 loss to Zimbabwe in a tense Africa Netball Cup encounter on Monday.

The match, held at the MTC Dome in Swakopmund Municipality, Namibia, saw Uganda squander their lead in the dying moments of the game.

Despite a slow start, the She Cranes managed to establish a three-goal lead at the end of the first quarter.

However, Zimbabwe responded strongly in the second quarter, taking a one-goal advantage (25-24) by halftime.

The introduction of Hannisha Muhammed in the third quarter bolstered Uganda’s defence, helping the team regain control and build a seven-goal cushion (39-32) by the end of the period.

Unfortunately, the She Cranes’ technical team made changes in the closing seconds that disrupted their rhythm, allowing Zimbabwe to clinch the victory by a single goal.

Speaking after the match, She Cranes’ head coach reflected on the performance, citing critical errors that cost the team the win.

“We had a poor start, but the girls fought back to take the lead in the third quarter before faltering late in the game,” he said.

“We were forced to make some changes in the last minutes because we received multiple warnings. We will regroup and work on these mistakes moving forward.”

The She Cranes will return to action on Wednesday, December 11, to face tournament hosts Namibia.

Uganda’s National Netball Women’s Team, the She Cranes, is set to face Zimbabwe in their opening match of the 2024 Africa Netball Cup.

The highly anticipated game will take place at the MTC Dome in Swakopmund, Namibia.

The team, led by coaches Nelson Bogere and Nourredine Kato, has expressed confidence and readiness to compete for the coveted championship trophy.

“We are set for the tournament. We travelled safely and have settled in well with several training sessions,” Bogere stated.

Sandra Nambirige, the last player to join the team in Namibia, also expressed her preparedness for the competition.

“I travelled well to join my teammates. It was a successful journey. I’ve conducted recovery drills and participated in other training sessions. We are ready,” Nambirige affirmed.

Uganda is in Pool 2 alongside Zimbabwe, host nation Namibia, and Eswatini. Pool 1 comprises South Africa, Malawi, Zambia, and Kenya. Lesotho, initially slated to participate, has withdrawn from the tournament.

She Cranes Squad

Shooters: Irene Eyaru, Christine Namulumba Kago, Shadia Nasanga, Mary Nuba Cholhok, Rachael Nanyonga

Mid-Court Players: Margaret Bagaala, Joyce Nakibuule, Filedaus Namulema, Mercy Batamuliza

Defenders: Sandra Nambirige, Christine Nakiito, Faridah Kadondi, Muhammad Anisha, Gloria Aya

The highly anticipated fifth edition of the Jinja Open Table Tennis Tournament is set to take place this weekend at St. Andrews Hall, Jinja, running from Saturday, December 7, to Sunday, December 8.

Reigning champion Samuel Ankunda has expressed confidence in retaining his title as he prepares to face a mix of local and international competitors.

Speaking at a press conference held at the Mandela Group of Companies headquarters, Ankunda shared his readiness for the challenge.

“I am ready for the upcoming tournament and cannot wait to get started,” he said confidently. “We’ve had two weeks to prepare, and the coaches have done a great job. Now it’s up to us as players to execute.”

The tournament promises to deliver stiff competition, with participants from China, the USA, Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda joining the local talent.

However, Ankunda remains unfazed by the foreign presence, citing home advantage as a key factor.

“It’s a pleasure to compete against foreign players. I am confident because I’ll be playing at home, unlike them. I trust God will see us through,” he added.

Organizers have revealed that the event will feature over 4,000 participants competing across different age categories, from eight to 18 years, as well as in an open pool. City Tyres, the tournament’s main sponsor, has provided all the trophies for the winners.

The stakes are high, with the ultimate champions in both the men’s and women’s categories set to take home UGX 1 million each.

With Ankunda leading the charge and international players bringing added excitement, the Jinja Open promises to be an electrifying event for table tennis enthusiasts.

Cricket Cranes are back in action this week, determined to end the year on a high as they prepare to defend their title at the T20 Africa Continental Cup.

The tournament, scheduled to take place from December 4–14, 2024, at the Gahanga International Cricket Stadium, will see Uganda compete against Botswana, Nigeria, and hosts Rwanda in a round-robin format culminating in a December 14 final.

Having lifted the trophy last year in a nail-biting one-run victory over Kenya at the Nairobi Gymkhana Oval, Uganda aims to replicate their success despite Kenya’s withdrawal from this year’s competition.

Fresh from securing the Rwanda Emerging Nations T20 Cup with the Uganda A side, the selectors have made two changes to the senior squad. Left-hand opening batsman Simon Ssesazi, finger spinner Joseph Baguma, and batting all-rounder Pascal Murungi have been recalled.

Chairman of Selectors Nehal Bibodi explained; “We are giving younger players more opportunities for exposure. Pascal Murungi’s inclusion is to prepare him for the future, while experienced players like Kenneth Waiswa remain integral to the team despite being left out now. Joseph Baguma continues to impress us with his potential for a long and promising career.”

Coach Abhay Sharma emphasized the team’s focus on preparation and adaptability: “Our aim is to test various players in different positions and combinations to find the best fit for the coming challenges, especially with an eye on next year’s ICC Africa T20 World Cup Qualifier Final. By focusing on planning, preparation, and execution, we believe success will follow.”

Led by Riazat Ali Shah, the team is ready for an exciting schedule of matches, starting with their opening game against Botswana tomorrow (Wednesday) at 2.15pm.

TEAM UGANDA

Riazat Ali Shah (captain), Pascal Murungi, Frank Nsubuga, Henry Ssenyondo, Dinesh Nakrani, Cosmas Kyewuta, Alpesh Ramjani, Robinson Obuya, Raghav Dhawan, Fred Achelam, Shrideep Mangela, Joseph Baguma, Simon Ssesazi, Juma Miyaji.

TEAMS PARTICIPATING:

1. UGANDA
2. NIGERIA
3. BOTSWANA
4. RWANDA

• Results: Nairobi City Thunder 72-62 City Oilers

Nairobi City Thunder ended City Oilers’ dream to play in the Basketball Africa League for the third straight time.

Nairobi City Thunder secured a well-deserved 72-62 victory in the thrilling encounter at Kasarani Indoor Arena in Nairobi on Monday evening.

The tournament hosts etched their names in the books of history as the first Kenyan side to qualify for the continental big stage.

Nairobi City Thunders opened a seven-point (18-11) lead at the of the opening quarter.

Despite City Oilers’s fight, the Kenyan side slightly extended their lead to eight points (34-26) going into the long break.

City Oilers suffered a big blow in the third quarter as Titus Lual was lifted off the floor after turning his joint awkwardly.

Coming from the locker rooms, City Oilers tried to narrow down the gap but the hosts responded massively to keep a nine-point lead (54-45) at the end of the third quarter.

The home support ignited the Nairobi City Thunder as they clinched a 10-point victory at the end of the day.

Parrish Petty (23 points), Falando Jones (15 points) and Israel Oyoro Otobo (12 points) were the only City Oilers’ players to score in double digits.

On the other hand, Nairobi City Thunder shared the points across as Ater Majok (17 points), Uche Iroegbu (16 points), Tylor Ongwae (12 points) and Garang Diing Akol (11 points) scored in double digits.

Nairobi City Thunder will lock horns with Kriol Star in the final of the East Division tournament.

Uganda’s long-distance runner Stella Chesang set a new national marathon record at the Valencia Marathon on Sunday.

Chesang crossed the finish line in an impressive time of 2:18:26, taking second place behind Ethiopia’s Megertu Alemu, who won the race in 2:16:49.

Chesang slashed two minutes off her previous best of 2:20:23, which she set in Hamburg last year, becoming the first Ugandan woman to run under the 2:20 barrier.

Tiruye Mesfin completed the women’s podium with a time of 2:18:35.

Kenya’s Sebastian Sawe won the men’s race with a time of 2:02:05. Ethiopia’s Deresa Geleta finished second, while Kenya’s Daniel Mateiko took third place.

The City Oilers suffered a 78-75 overtime loss to Urunani in a Road to Basketball Africa League game on Sunday evening.

This was the Oilers’ first loss of the campaign after defeating Fox Sports (South Sudan) and Matero Magic (Zambia).

The Oilers opened the game with a strong first quarter, leading 20-13.

They extended their advantage to 15 points (41-26) by halftime, with Parrish Petty leading the way with 17 points, including 5-of-9 from beyond the arc.

Urunani fought back in the third quarter, but the Oilers maintained a 10-point lead (60-50) heading into the final period.

However, Urunani outscored the Oilers 17-7 in the fourth to force overtime.

The Oilers were dealt a significant blow when their starting centers, Israel Oyoro Otobo and Maker Mer, fouled out in the fourth quarter.

Urunani capitalized on this advantage, outscoring the Oilers 11-8 in overtime to secure the victory and top Group B with a 3-0 record.

Jean-Jacques Boissy led Urunani with 21 points and 8 rebounds. Christopher Crawford, Malick Genzahayo, and Nkosinathi Sandile also contributed in double figures.

Parrish Petty (26 points, 10 rebounds), Falando Jones (15 points, 10 rebounds), and Otobo (11 rebounds, 12 rebounds) recorded double-doubles for the Oilers.

• Result: Matero Magic 73-93 City Oilers

Uganda’s City Oilers secured their place in the Basketball Africa League (BAL) semifinals with a decisive 93-73 victory over Matero Magic at the Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya.

The first quarter was a tight affair, with the Oilers holding a narrow three-point lead (18-15).

Despite the absence of Germaine Roebuck Jr, who was sidelined due to injury, the Oilers maintained an eight-point advantage (41-33) at halftime.

The Oilers dominated the third quarter, extending their lead to 16 points (68-52).

They continued their strong performance in the final quarter, ultimately securing a 20-point victory.

Parish Petty led the Oilers’ scoring with 25 points.

Falando Jones (16 points), Moses Maker (13 points), Israel Oyoro Otobo (13 points), and Ivan Muhwezi (12 points) also contributed significantly to the win.

Saul Phiri (20 points) and Donovan Lamont Jose (19 points) were the top scorers for Matero Magic.

The Oilers will conclude their group-stage campaign with a match against Burundi’s Urunani on Saturday.

• Event: Serena 63 Golf Series
• Date: Saturday, 30^th November 2024
• Venue: Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa, Kigo

The Serena 63 Golf Series is set for the final outing of the season slated for this Saturday, November 30 at the Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa, Kigo.

Now in its second year, the series will recognize and award the top overall performers of the season at the 19th-hole prize-giving dinner.

Boniface Ssimwa, the Serena Golf Pro, said the finale is expected to register a bigger turn-up considering it’s the season-ender.

“We’re excited that the 2024 season is coming to an end this Saturday. It’s been an incredible journey, and we expect to wrap up the season with a great turnout,” Ssimwa said.

The Serena 63 Series season finale will be played under the Stableford, full handicap format, and will feature 63 subsidiary players (both 63 Series participants and non-63 Series participants), with the top three from each category eligible for prizes at the 19th hole.

Participants in this year’s Serena 63 series stand a chance to win a grand prize worth 40 Uganda shillings which will include an exclusive annual golf membership at Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa. 

Top performers are also assured of outstanding prizes from event sponsors I&M Bank and Serena Hotels.

Annette Nakiyaga, Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at I&M Bank Uganda, said they are looking forward to a thrilling season finale, characterized by fierce competition, as golfers compete for top honours.

“We are glad to have successfully reached the end of the second season of the Serena 63 series. We are proud to witness the series grow in many aspects, and as a partner, this motivates us to continue supporting the game of golf in Uganda.

“We’re proud to be part of an event that not only celebrates sporting excellence, but also builds community, strengthens bonds, and creates lasting friendships,” Nakiyaga said.

I&M Bank will provide special perks for top-performing golfers this Saturday. Top on the list of the bank’s offer is a fully sponsored trip for the five overall winners of the series to take part in the esteemed I&M Invitational Golf Tournament in Kenya early next year.

Defending champion David Plenderleith tops the leaderboard with 1406 points. Plenderleith, who has played 40 rounds so far, has averaged 35.15 points per round.

Duncan Kaggwa, who has played the most rounds (43), is currently in second place with 1383 points. John Byabagambi, who rounds out the podium, has 1321 points, while Juanati Karamji, in fourth place, has 1290 points. Jadu Patel is in fifth place, with 1206 points.