As the countdown to the Girls' Schools Cricket Week 2024 in Soroti ticks away, anticipation fills the air as schools in the region gear up for the competition.

Soroti City Schools are particularly eager to defend their title, with the Soroti Cricket Academy poised to host the tournament for the second consecutive year.

A one-week tournament scheduled from May 4th to May 11th hosted at St Mary’s Girls SS Madera, Soroti City East will have girls across the country showcase their talents in a spirited competition.

“As a host school, we have done whatever is needed for us to lift the overall trophy this time. It's now the role of the players to implement what they have got,” said Emmanuel Twijukye, the head coach of St Mary’s Girls SS Madera.

According to Twijukye, despite finishing third in the regional qualifiers, St. Mary’s Madera remains optimistic of securing victory on home turf.

In a dramatic twist, Olila High School, a perennial powerhouse, seeks redemption after missing out on the regional title.

Ruth Kulume, the team captain of Olila High School expresses her side’s excitement, highlighting their journey through the qualifiers and their determination to retain the trophy once again.

According to Kulume, the Olila High School cricket team led by Jimia Mohammad and coached by Wilfred Ogwang is determined to reclaim their dominance and secure a fourth consecutive national championship.

“This year, we shall not give Olila High School space to lift the national trophy again, we outplayed them during qualifiers, which to me is a good move by players to secure the national trophy,” said Patricia Apolot captain Light SS.

According to Apolot, the players' confidence is maintained by the club’s historic victory achieved in the recently concluded school Cricket Week championship.

Elizabeth Akello, administrator of the Soroti Cricket Academy, assures that all arrangements are nearly complete, from ground preparations to logistics.

With eager anticipation, Soroti eagerly awaits the arrival of participating schools on May 4th, ready to witness a week of fierce competition and sportsmanship.