A decade of building dreams, changing lives at SCA
Parade. The individuals that stood out from the 13 categories this year for Soroti Cricket Academy show off their gongs on December 20. PHOTO/DON PHIL MUGABI
What you need to know:
Decade Of Impact. As Soroti Cricket Academy (SCA) reflects on a decade of inspiring young dreams and nurturing talent, their journey stands as a testament to the power of sports in transforming lives. From humble beginnings to becoming a hub of excellence, SCA has provided countless opportunities for youth in Teso Land, Eastern Uganda to pursue cricket, education, and personal growth.
The celebrations could still be going on! This past weekend, the Soroti Cricket Academy (SCA) reached a milestone few could have imagined when it began in 2014.
Under the stewardship of founder and chairman Felix Musana, the academy celebrated 10 transformative years of nurturing talent, empowering communities, and advocating for social change in a massive way on December 20 and 21 at the academy’s head offices in Soroti and at the City Oval respectively.
The anniversary was marked by a weekend-long celebration, starting with an awards dinner that honoured the best performers of the 2024 season, followed by a vibrant cricket carnival themed “Let’s Fight GBV,” aimed at raising awareness about Gender-Based Violence.
At the dinner, Musana shared heartfelt reflections on the academy’s journey: “It’s been a long road to get here. Balancing the academy with my work was challenging, but the results make every sacrifice worthwhile. This decade has been about building dreams, and I’m deeply grateful to the parents, schools, and Uganda Cricket Association (UCA) for their support. Together, we’ve created a thriving cricket culture in Soroti.”
Celebrating excellence
The awards dinner was a highlight of the festivities, recognising players whose dedication and skill have elevated the academy’s reputation. Among the honourees were: Janet Mbabazi (Soroti City Club Player of the Year - Female), Peter Ocen (Soroti City Club Player of the Year - Male) and Sarah Akiteng (Olila Cricket Club Player of the Year).
For the younger generation, awards such as Young Player of the Year and Best Fielder across both boys’ and girls’ school programs served as a testament to the academy’s commitment to grassroots development.
The cricket carnival
The annual carnival brought the community together in a spirit of fun and advocacy. Eight teams participated in a six-a-side tournament, using cricket to highlight the importance of combating GBV. Vibrant music, performances by top DJs, and a barbecue added to the celebratory atmosphere, reflecting the academy’s dual mission of promoting cricket and fostering community well-being.
This year’s celebration was a vibrant carnival featuring celebrated artiste Ruyonga of Parte Yani fame, alongside DJ Nyowe, MC Wright, DJ Paul, DJ Aweko, and Matt, who kept the full house entertained at the after-party held at the renowned Soroti hangout, Strikers.
Legacy of impact
Over the past decade, SCA has grown from a humble initiative into a powerhouse of talent development, producing national team players like captain Janet Mbabazi, Sarah Akiteng and range-hitting opener Proscovia Alako. The academy’s partnership with 18 schools and access to five cricket facilities have positioned Soroti as a hub for the sport.
Parents like Sarah Ajeng, whose daughter Josephine Ichumar received a scholarship through SCA, spoke movingly about the academy’s impact: “This academy has changed our lives. Watching Josephine grow, both on and off the field, fills me with immense pride,” she said
“Our dream is to become a self-sustaining program with a cricket ground capable of hosting international games. We want to continue touching lives and building dreams for decades to come,” said Musana while summing up the vision for the future.
Year of reckoning
From the historic triumph of the U17 Girls in Rwanda to SCA’s dominance at the U18 Girls Invitational Tournament in Gulu, where SCA A edged SCA B in an all-hub final, the academy’s talent has shone brightly since January.
The Girls Schools Cricket Week finals saw Light SS claim victory over Olila High School, both nurtured by SCA’s programs.
On the national stage, Soroti City Cricket Club clinched the National Ladies T20 League title, with Olila High School as runners-up, affirming SCA’s vital role in women’s cricket.
Even the youngest stars stood tall as Swaria P/S U11 (Boys) and Nakatunya P/S U11 (Girls) emerged champions in the Mini Cricket Regional Tournament.
These victories are more than trophies—they’re milestones in a journey of empowerment and breaking barriers through cricket.
As the SCA enters its second decade, it does so with gratitude for the past and a steadfast commitment to empowering youth, promoting social change, and cementing its legacy as a bonfire of hope and excellence.
2024 SCA AWARD WINNERS
Player of the Year (Female): Janet Mbabazi (Soroti City).
Player of the Year (Male): Peter Ocen (Soroti City).
Player of the Year: Sarah Akiteng (Olila Cricket Club).
Girls School Program of the Year: Lorna Anyait (Olila High School).
Best Fielder, Girls School Program: Sarah Tino (Light SSS).
Young Player of the Year, Girls School Program: Josephine Ichumar (Olila High School).
Best Batter, Girls School Program: Malisa Ariokot (Olila High School).
Best Bowler, Girls School Program: Mitchell Ariago (Light SSS).
Player of the Year, Boys School Program: Gideon Outeke (Teso College Aloet).
Young Player of the Year, Boys School Program: Deo Kirabaki (Teso College Aloet).
Best Fielder, Boys School Program: Christopher Osakan (Soroti SSS)
Best Bowler, Boys School Program: Yusuf Abdulai (Soroti SSS).
Best Batter, Boys School Program: Alban Ainebyona (Kiira College Butiki).
