Ssenyondo, Nampiina, Apio shine as Tornado Bee is crowned

Finally. Tornado Bee were crowned champions of the men and women’s Division I national leagues of 2016 in a belated function held at Lugogo on Saturday. PHOTO BY EDDIE CHICCO

What you need to know:

Challengers’ left-arm orthodox spinner Ssenyondo beat rival 2015 MVP Roger Mukasa of Tornado Bee to scoop the top gong having accumulated 47 wickets at an economy of 3.06 runs in the Jazz Safari National Men’s Division One 50-Over League

KAMPALA.

When new Uganda Cricket Association (UCA) chairman Bashir Ansasira cut a relaxed pose at Lugogo Oval on Saturday, it was not that comfortable as it appeared.

Deep down, Richard Mwami’s successor felt the then ongoing annual UCA Awards could have been better.

Well, understandable, the awards ceremony would have graced a hall with the fraternity in suits and dresses like previous editions. But those in the hierarchy noted that there wasn’t much time to organise a glamorous event following the recent transition and happenings in UCA.

That though did not take the shine away as Henry Ssenyondo and Stephanie Nampiina were named the Most Valuable Players (MVP) for the 2016 season.

Challengers’ left-arm orthodox spinner Ssenyondo beat rival 2015 MVP Roger Mukasa of Tornado Bee to scoop the top gong having accumulated 47 wickets at an economy of 3.06 runs in the Jazz Safari National Men’s Division One 50-Over League.

“I feel happy and glad to have made it this far,” said Ssenyondo. To the contrary, his side lost the title to Tornado Bee but he hopes Challengers can push for the title.

“Hopefully we can go on and win this season. I pray I can maintain the form this year ahead of the World Cricket League Division III,” he said.

Mukasa was best batsman and fielder with 419 runs and 15 dismissals respectively. Arnold Otwani, who had four centuries, was named MVP in the men’s second tier with 735 runs, 14 wickets and six dismissals - backbone for Aziz Damani’s promotion. Jinja SS’ leg spinner Nampiina was best in the National Women’s Division One League after scoring 238 runs and picking 26 wickets last season. In the second division, Joyce Mary Apio only failed to take the best wicket-keeper (went to Premier’s Stella Kyabangi).

Olila’s Apio had six dismissals, 22 wickets and 178 runs to bag the best fielder, bowler, batter awards. The MVP honour inevitably headed her way too.