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Ryan Agaba believes defending champions Busoga College Mwiri have what it takes to defend their SkyView Boys Schools Cricket Week title after booking a place in the Super Eight.
Mwiri secured top spot in Group A with a 10-wicket win over Kira College Butiki on Tuesday. Kira posted 51/6 in 20 overs before Mwiri reached 52 without loss in four overs.
The result came after a 57-run win over Ntare School earlier in the day. Mwiri scored 149/7, with Trevor Azikiriza making 47 off 28 balls and Agaba adding 39 off 35. Trevor Mugaita then took four wickets as Ntare were bowled out for 92.
Agaba was named Man of Match and credited his teammates for their effort, especially the inexperienced players in the squad.
“I’m so glad to have won the Man of Match Award once again. I would like to appreciate my team because they are putting in a lot of effort,” Agaba said.
Only three of Mwiri’s 14 players had previously played in the Schools Cricket Week, according to Agaba.
“Most of them are debutants in this tournament, so I’d like to applaud them for all the hard work,” he said.
Mwiri joined five-time winners Jinja SS, Soroti SS, Shree Uganda, Lango College, Masaka SS and St. John’s HS in the Super Eight.
Shree Uganda were the first team to qualify after winning all four of their group matches. Jinja SS also impressed, winning both their games on Tuesday, while Soroti advanced as Group C leaders despite losing to St. Cornelius in their final match.
Lango College completed the initial list of qualifiers before Masaka and St. John’s secured the final places.
With the Super Eight now set, Agaba says Mwiri are ready for the challenge.
“We have been preparing for a very long time, and we expect a lot,” he said.
He also warned their rivals that Mwiri are determined to keep the trophy.
“To all the teams coming, I would only like to tell you, you cannot teach an old dog new tricks. Mwiri has been taking these trophies,” Agaba said.
