Uganda gears up for East African Baseball5 Youth Championship

Team Uganda is set for the East African Baseball5 Youth Championship, which kicks off this Friday at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo.

Uganda will open the tournament against South Sudan at 11:00 am, aiming to defend the East African title they won in 2024 and secure qualification for the World Championship for the first time.

Last year, Uganda won the regional tournament in Kenya but was unable to participate in the continental championship due to financial constraints. Qualification for the continental event would have provided a pathway to the global championship.

A squad of eight players, four boys and four girls has been named to compete against three other East African nations: Kenya, Tanzania, and South Sudan.

A provisional squad of 16 players underwent intensive training for two weeks at St. Peter's Nsambya Secondary School. Following the camp, the Uganda Baseball and Softball Association (UBASA) technical committee selected the final eight-player team. On the pitch, a Baseball5 team consists of three males and two females, or vice versa.

Head coach Ibrahim Kaboggoza expressed confidence in his players and believes Uganda can secure one of the two qualification slots for the continental championship, which serves as a route to next year's World Championship.

“We have three experienced players who competed in the 2024 championship, and they will inspire the rest of the team. The training environment at St. Peter's Nsambya SS has been excellent, and I thank the headmistress, Elizabeth Asiimwe, for her support,” said Kaboggoza.

While bidding farewell to the team during the final training session, Asiimwe said hosting the national team at the school's new basketball court was part of the institution's commitment to promoting sports development in Uganda. “Make the country proud by winning,” she urged the players.

UBASA chairman John Bosco Ssempa expects a lively and colorful championship at Hamz Stadium. “Hamz Stadium is an ideal venue located in the city centre, making it convenient for fans to access and watch Baseball5, many of them for the first time,” said Ssempa.

Team captain Elvis Muwonge and assistant captain Ivy Laourah said the time spent in camp had strengthened team cohesion and coordination.

The players were selected from St. Peter's Nsambya SS, Panyadoli Self Help School in Kiryandongo, Queens Secondary School Nansana, and Alliance Secondary School in Luwero.

The championship runs until Sunday.

East Africa Baseball5 Championship Fixtures - Friday

Uganda vs South Sudan: 11:00 am 1:00 pm

Kenya vs Tanzania: 2:00 pm 4:00 pm