Soroti Cricket Academy celebrates a decade of nurturing cricket talent in Teso

Soroti Cricket Academy celebrated a decade of building cricket dreams in the Teso sub-region in Soroti city over the weekend.

The two-day celebrations began on Friday night with an awards dinner to recognise the best cricketers of 2014.

The accolades, earned by talented players, highlighted not only personal triumphs but also the Academy’s dedication to nurturing exceptional talent. The event was held at the Soroti cricket offices.

In his speech, Felix Musana, the Chairman and founder of Soroti Cricket Academy, emphasized the significance of the 10th anniversary dinner in celebrating their journey and accomplishments.

“I want to thank the players for their dedication to the sport. As an academy, we emphasize the impact of investing in young athletes and the growth of cricket in the region,” Musana stated.

Musana also highlighted the crucial contributions of stakeholders to the academy’s success and encouraged potential sponsors to join the cause.

“We have come a long way. We welcome well-wishers such as sponsors, religious leaders, and companies to support the game, expand opportunities for organizing tournaments, and grant scholarships,” he observed.

The ceremony, attended by parents, clergy, politicians, school teachers, and players, saw thirteen accolades handed over to players in the schools’ and clubs’ categories.

In the schools’ category, accolades went to:
- Allan Aibebyona (Best Bowler)
- Yusuf Abdullai (Best Batter)
- Christopher Osakan (Best Fielder)
- Deo Kelibaki (Youngest Player)
- Gideon Outeke (Player of the Year)

In the girls’ category:
- Mitchef Ariago (Best Bowler)
- Malisa Ariokot (Best Batter)
- Josephine Icumar (Youngest Player of the Year)
- Tino Sarah (Best Fielder)
- Lona Anyait (Player of the Year)

In the clubs’ category, awards went to:
- Peter Ocen (Player of the Year, Male)
- Sarah Akiteng and Janet Mbabazi (Players of the Year, Female)

Allan Aibebyona, who won the accolade for Best Bowler, extended his heartfelt gratitude to the Soroti Cricket Academy for realizing his dream and embracing him as part of the Soroti family.

Sarah Akiteng, while giving her speech as the Best Player of the Year, thanked her parents for their support and encouraged younger players to keep pursuing their passion. She highlighted the journey since 2014, commended Felix Musana’s leadership, emphasized the need for more team sponsorship, and looked forward to the next milestone as the academy approaches a decade.

Samuel Edyau, representing headteachers, applauded Soroti Cricket Academy for its efforts in exposing players to local, national, and international competitions. He encouraged parents to allow their children to develop their talents in whatever discipline they excel in for a better future.

Dennis Musaali, Communications Manager of the Uganda Cricket Association, appreciated Soroti Cricket Academy for raising the standard of cricket in Teso. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to those devoted to SCA’s growth, uplifting Soroti cricket, and inspiring dreams, evident in players reaching Uganda’s top levels.

“Today, as we applaud our winners, let’s anticipate cricket’s promising future as a bastion of excellence. My sincere congratulations to all who’ve nurtured SCA’s success,” Musaali concluded.