The coronavirus pandemic tore the sports calendar in Uganda to shreds.
Even after President Yoweri Tibuhaburwa Museveni eased restrictions on activity, sports in the country is yet to fully recover.
But, some sports disciplines like cricket are looking to make most of the last weeks of the year.
Uganda Cricket Association (UCA) recently launched a new Elite League for the top 50 male players in the country to keep them active.
“We want to have our best players getting the best possible opposition at this moment coupled together with the fact that it is the only cricket we can play this year,” said UCA Development Manager Davis Turinawe.
The tournament will be played by three franchises Scorpions, Mambas and Bucks, comprising 14 players and two reserves each in a twenty20 format from October 25-31 at Lugogo Oval.
There will be 12 matches played with the best two teams meeting in the final. Turinawe says the tournament will be used as a benchmark for new national coach South African Lawrence Mahatlane as UCA is planning a tour to Qatar in December.
“It will give selectors a chance to select a team for that proposed tour,” Turinawe stated.
The three franchises were auctioned for a total Shs14.5m by sponsors.
ABOUT UCA ELITE LEAGUE
Teams: 3 (Scorpions, Mambas, Bucks)
Format: Round-robin
Dates: October 25-31
Matches: 13
Venue: Lugogo Oval
THE FRANCHISES
Scorpions: Brian Masaba (C), Zephaniah Arinaitwe, Calvin Watuwa, Charles Waiswa, Gerald Mubiru, Steven Wabwose, Trevor Bukenya, Derrick Bakunzi, Innocent Mwebaze, Wasim Butt, Lawrence Ssempijja, Jarfer Ochaya, Davis Karashani, Shahzad Kamal
Reserves: Ramathan Ochimi, Christopher Kidega
Coach: Michael Ndiko
Bucks: Aneef Shah, Arnold Otwani (C), Deusdedit Muhumuza, Emmanuel Isaneez, Frank Nsubuga, Fred Achelam, Jonathan Kizza, Jonathan Ssebanja, Simon Okecho, Simon Ssesaazi, Siraj Nsubuga, Richard Agamire, Robert Ajuna, Robinson Obuya
Reserves: Pius Oloka, John Gabula
Coach: Habibu Mugalula
Mambas: Cosmas Kyewuta, Ronald Puwata, Daniel Ruyange, David Wabwire, Frank Akankwasa (C), Hamu Kayondo, Henry Ssenyondo, Kenneth Waiswa, Ashraf Ssenkubuge, Rogers Olipa, Irfan Afridi, Emmanuel Hasahya, Perry Wazombe, Younos Sowobi
Reserves: Annas Baig, Ronald Opio
Coach: Jackson Ogwang
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This writer is a global broadcaster and as well scribe with Daily Monitor Newspaper and sports presenter with Radio One FM 90 in Kampala. Follow him on Twitter: @AllanDarren and his Facebook Page: Darren Allan Kyeyune