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In a high-stakes Women’s T20 league season opener, defending champions Soroti City Cricket Club will visit Jinja SS Cricket Club at their home turf in Jinja.
Soroti City dominated last season, losing just one game en route to their maiden title.
This year, they are poised to defend their crown, especially with Aziz Damani out of the competition.
In their last meeting on June 3, 2023, Soroti City defeated Jinja SS by 67 runs.
Soroti posted an impressive 137 runs, while Jinja SS was bowled out for just 70 runs.
Patricia Timong was a standout performer, taking four wickets in her four-over spell, including two maidens, conceding only seven runs with an economy of 1.75
Soroti City aims for back-to-back titles, while Jinja SS seeks a return to their former glory.
Jinja SS will have key players like Victoria Pearls vice-captain Rita Musamali, Kakai Suzan, and Stephanie Nampiina back in the fold.
Their experience will be crucial for the team’s success.
However, Soroti City will miss their seasoned batting all-rounder Phiona Khulume, who has moved to Olila Cricket Club due to new rules limiting the number of national team contracted players per team.
To bolster their squad, Soroti City has added big hitters like Proscovia Alako and Kongai Mercy Tracy.
Alako was the only player to score a century in the recent Kwibuka Women’s T20 Tournament, while Kongai’s powerful hits were instrumental in Light SS winning the girls’ schools cricket week.
Janet Mbabazi will continue to captain Soroti City, with Twijukye Emmanuel as coach.
Both teams are in Group A, alongside JACC, ACC, and Tornado Bee.
Soroti Cricket Academy’s chairman, Felix Musana, acknowledges the challenges posed by new player limitations but remains optimistic.
“Our plans were affected by the new policy limiting our squad, leading to key players like Kevin Awino, Phiona Khulume, Sarah Akiteng, and Christine Anayo leaving.
However, we’ve added Esther Iloku, Proscovia Alako, Naume Amongin, and Kevin Amuge.
We have many young players from Light SS who we want to gain experience and exposure.”
What: Jinja SS Cricket Club vs Soroti City Cricket Club
When: Saturday, June 28, 2024
Where: Jinja SS Cricket Oval, Jinja City
What to anticipate: An exciting match-up between two competitive teams.
What you need to do: Head to Jinja SS Cricket Oval, support your team, stay hydrated, and keep the spirit high with prayers and songs.
