Uganda optimistic ahead of East Africa baseball and softball tourney

The baseball and softball teams after being flagged off to Mwanza for the tournament. Photos by Johnson Were

There is a wave of optimism in the Ugandan camp ahead of the inaugural edition of the East Africa Baseball and Softball Tournament that gets under way today in Mwanza, Tanzania.

Dennis Kasozi, the president of the Uganda Baseball and Softball Federation (UBASA) labeled the travelling side as being massively up for the challenge down in Tanzania.

"The teams got so much invested in training and we should meet our targets. Testing our abilities against foreign opponents is a proper gauging plan of where we have reached" Kasozi said.

Uganda has since grown into an elite baseball and softball playing nation in Africa, especially after featuring in last year's Women World Softball Championships in Canada.

The task at hand for Uganda is to make history and become the first nation to win the East Africa Baseball and Softball Tournament.

The tournament is held behind the motive of creating cohesion and to collectively develop the game in the region.

Meanwhile, it will serve as preparation for the Women's Africa World Softball Championship qualifier January next year in South Africa. The She Pearls however are playing their first tournament since the world championships in Canada last year.

All said, a contingent of 47 people is bound Tanzania tomorrow for what is expected to be a riveting competition.

Baseball Squad: David Arango, Lawrence Zingi, Allan Kabenge, Eric Kato, George Bekunda, Benard Adei, Dennis Achidri, Justine Makisim, Peter Opio, Eric Okweredde.Tonny Opio,Joseph Byanyima, Benard Okello, Job Echon, Joseph  Drotti, George Drani, Robert Okello William Watero

Softball Squad: Rukia Ajabo,Janet Mbabazi, Lilian Naiga, Lynette Nakato, Winnie Storaga, Brenda Awori, Rebecca Achede, Patience Kayeny, Sherry Kutaaka, Gloria Ocokuru, Florence Bangi, Annet Orodrigo, Joanitah Mbeera, Zaitun Nakalembe, Annet Nimungu, Premier Babirye and Noeline Ataya. Rosemary Jopaowitt 

Officials: Dennis Kasozi- UBASA president (head of delegation), George Mukhobe (headcoach baseball), John Bosco Ssempa (assistant coach baseball), Allan Otim (headcoach Softball), Augustine Aniku (ass coach softball) Patrick Dragriga (head umpire), Dan Lukwago (Umpire), Isaac Yiga (Umpire), Mosese Walusonzi (manager baseball), Meddie Mukiibi (Umpire) Alex Ariku (Team doctor)