In a departure from the Batball Open 2022/23 season’s format, where teams were named after common birds from the different regions of Uganda, Batball X has adopted a new and creative approach. The teams participating in the tournament have been named after common animals found in their respective regions, symbolizing the diverse and vibrant wildlife of Uganda.
“Unlike in Batball Open 2022/23 season where we named the 20 teams after common birds in the five regions and in their respective local languages with an aim of making locals bond well and give maximum support to their team but also the idea was to promote tourism in the country since we have many species of birds,” says Martin Ondeko, Chief Operations Officer of Batball Uganda Limited. He further emphasized that the shift to animals as team names continues the effort to support local tourism while staying consistent with the previous season’s theme.
A unique addition to the lineup is the Rwanda Emerging team, representing a neighboring country. This inclusion adds a touch of international flair to the competition and showcases the spirit of sportsmanship that transcends borders.
The six teams competing in the tournament are as follows; Eastern Buffaloes, Nile Leopards, Northern Elephants, Rwanda Emerging, Western Bulls and Central Rhinos
Batball X is scheduled to run from 15th to 20th August 2023, with Jinja hosting Group A matches involving Eastern Buffaloes, Nile Leopards, and Northern Elephants on 15th and 16th August. Meanwhile, Group B matches will take place in Kampala on the same dates and feature Rwanda Emerging, Western Bulls, and Central Rhinos. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super 4 stage, leading to the finals on 20th August 2023.
The matches will be played in a thrilling ten-overs-a-side format, ensuring fast-paced action that keeps spectators on the edge of their seats. Cricket enthusiasts and sports fans worldwide can catch all the excitement as all games will be broadcasted on Batball.tv and other platforms.
Squads
Nile Leopards
Players: Muwangunzi Timothy (C), Masinde Arafat, Magezi Ronald, Nyiro Jonathan, Oloka Pius, Sohera Richard, Mulongo Paul, Ibanda Joel, Mudola Edgar, Sajabi Ibrahim, Hassan Bagaga, Kunsa Cyrus, Mukisa Dan and Cymprous Igulu.
Officials: Mugalula Habib (Coach) and Ssekatawa Isaac (Team Manager)
Western Bulls
Player: Exevie Bwambale, Victor Muhindo, Epharaim Kambale, Geofrey Kakaire(C), Luwasa Abdu Karim, Tendo Rayan, Emmanuel Odeke, Ntugire Brian, Nazir Kiggwe, Asasira Paul, Tumusime Ignitious, Asimwe Paul, Arenatwe Christable, Bwambale Festo
Officials: Kakande Ivan (Coach) and Yusuf Nanga- team manager
Rwanda Emerging
Players: Isae Niyomugabo, Eloi Loic Abimbabazi, Yves Ctusa, Chris Yussuf Namuhoranye, Emmanuel Manishimwe, Daniel Gumyusenge, Christian Benihirwe, D’Amour Byiringiro, Blaise Rindiro, Israel Mugisha, Eric Uwiduhaye, Vicent De Paul Yvan Bimenyiman, Francois Zirahangaje and Theoneste Hakuziyaremye
Officials: Lee Jonathan Booth (Head Coach) and Adelin Tuyizere
Northern Elephants
Players: Brian Owacgui, Aballo Jeremy Oyirwoth, Santos Ocitti (C), Anan Koffi Okoti, Emmanuel Rubanganheyo, Jovan Aldo Rubangakene, Humphrey Daniel Bua, Tonny Opiyo, Marvin Ouma, Amos Junior Ogenrwot, Coel Eyit, Peter Okello, Daniel Rubangakene and Kenneth Ogenrworth.
Officials: Patrick Busingye (Coach) and Kagoda Ivan (Team Manager)
Central Rhinos
Players: Kidega Christopher (C), Sowobi Yunusu, Namidala Shafic, Ochaya Jaffer, Abdul Shaqur Doka, Ochaya Ahmed Amir, Lubwama Conrad, Balisawa Ali, Musa Majid, Omara Ronald, Asiimwe Muhammad, Anas Baig, Mutagana Fahad, Munigwa Hamid and Aballo Jeremy Oyirwoth
Officials: Turyamwesimiira Baraka (Coach) and Mukaya Usuma (Team Manager)
Eastern Buffaloes
Players: Ocen Peter, Malinga Jacob, Osakan Christopher, Apollo Joseph, Ainebyona Alban, Outeke Gideon, Sururu Juma, Alianu Stephen, Okako Elvis, Nitin Silvakumar, Obote Joshua, Emetu Paul and Kiribaki Deo
Officials: Ogwang Wilfred (Coach) Ebulu Ronald (Team Manager)
