UCA team on tour, gets S. African boost

By Leo Kabunga A select Uganda Cricket Association (UCA) team leaves May 31 for a three-day tour in Kenya ahead of the mini World Cup championship due June in Toronto, Canada. The team on a three-game tour is reciprocating an earlier visit to Kampala by the Nairobi based Swamibapa Cricket Club. UCA secretary Justine Ligyalingi yesterday said preparations for the tour have been going on daily at Lugogo. He said 18 players will make the trip. UCA selection committee chairman Edward Sempembwa said 14 players will be named for the Toronto trip on June 5 after the team returns from Kenyan. International Cricket Council (ICC), the organisers of the mini World championship caters for 14 players from associate member associations. Travelling to Nairobi are captain John Lubia, K. Legesi, H. Osinde, J. Kwebiha, H. Kamyuka, R. Okia, H. Kato, H. Okecho, D. Meya, F. Nsubuga, C. Lwanga, N. Bibodi, R. Mwami, L. Sematimba, S. Nsubuga, T. Mbazzi, B. Musoke and J. Owenyi. Meanwhile, South Africa has donated sh1m to UCA towards development of the game at grass roots. Raymond Mhalaba, the South Africa High Commissioner yesterday handed over the cheque to UCA vice chairman Sam Sewagudde at Lugogo. The ceremony was attended by Nile Breweries chairman Jack Luyombya, chief executive director Henry Rudd and National Council of Sports general secretary Abbey Lutaya. Mhalaba, 81, said he was assigned by South Africa Sports Committee to assist develop the game. The donation comes at a time when UCA is preparing for the mini World Cup. Ends