Musali plays down Wanderers' title chances

By Charles Mutebi 

UCA T20 National League

Quarterfinals (Sunday)

Wanderers v Tornado (Lugogo)

Nile v Jinja (Kyambogo)

Tornado B v KICC

Challengers v Charity 

IF it were up to Wanderers’ captain Denis Musali, he would probably refrain from referring to his side as UCA T20 defending champions ahead of their quarterfinal meeting with Tornado at Lugogo. 

Musali’s Wanderers may be title holders but a preseason player-exodus has rendered them underdogs against big-hitters like Tornado. Frank to a fault, Musali is not afraid to admit that his team will probably not get past Frank Nsubuga’s Tornado in a rematch of last year’s final. 

Put differently, the Wanderers are – until further notice – more reigning champions than defending champions. 

“We barely sneaked into the quarterfinals,” admitted Musali. “I know some guys in the team may believe we can defend the title but I don’t want to be under that pressure. The team is very young and Arthur Ziraba is even missing this game (due to an exam).” 

To put it in percentages, Musali says, “We have a 40-60 chance of beating Tornado. Their team is not all that as well”. 

In second match at Lugogo Nile, who have won six of their seven matches so far, face Jinja SS – this year’s surprise package. Jinja are playing away from home for the first time and it remains to be seen how well they will adapt. 

At Kyambogo, Tornado B will be looking for their 23 straight victory when they take on KICC in the morning. The form book says Tornado B will win but KICC have reportedly enlisted a few Kenyans to help them do the hardest thing in local cricket right now. In the afternoon, on-form Charity face the rich Challengers in a delicately poised contest.