Baseball revolution spreading in Uganda
Basics. Baseball coaches imparting skills to kids at Yello Max School in Luwero. Photo By G. KATONGOLE
What you need to know:
- Teams were selected from each district to play each other in the grand finale, after which the national team will play against Team USA (captained by U.S. Embassy Spokesperson Phil Dimon and other players from the Embassy as well as members of the Los Angeles Dodgers) in an exhibition game.
KAMPALA. When Uganda qualified for the Baseball Africa Cup to be hosted in South Africa next month, it was a historical achievement as a place in the 2020 Olympics remains alive.
That possibility which has another roadblock with the final qualifier slated in Italy creates a unique worry for Dennis Kasozi, the president of the Uganda Baseball and Softball Association.
Kasozi, who has gleaned wisdom from years of developing a formidable side, says qualifying for the ultimate prize, the 2020 Tokyo Games, is a dream but developing new players remains paramount.
“It was exciting to qualify for the Africa Cup as top seeds. But to sustain any sport, having young players coming through is the best achievement,” Kasozi said.
Kasozi has been at the implementation of the countrywide baseball camps that have been held in Arua, Jinja and Luweero as the US Mission in Uganda in conjunction with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Allen VR Stanley Sports Academy have been attempting to publicize America’s favourite pastime, and to celebrate the centennial and legacy of the first African American Major League Baseball player Jackie Robinson.
“We are attempting to widen our catchment area and these camps have been an eye opener,” he said ahead of today’s climax at Nakirebe.
Teams were selected from each district to play each other in the grand finale, after which the national team will play against Team USA (captained by U.S. Embassy Spokesperson Phil Dimon and other players from the Embassy as well as members of the Los Angeles Dodgers) in an exhibition game.
