Soroti: This past weekend, the Soroti Cricket Academy celebrated a remarkable decade of growth and success. Founded in 2014, the academy has overcome numerous challenges, but its impact on the community and the sport of cricket far outweighs the obstacles. The celebration included a special awards dinner, attended by alumni, parents, and members of the cricket community, where top performers of the 2024 season were honored.
The academy’s achievements were on full display, with Soroti City Club and Olila Cricket Club shining brightly. Janet Mbabazi (Female) and Peter Ocen (Male) were named Soroti City’s players of the year, while Sarah Akiteng took the top honor at Olila Cricket Club. Soroti City’s women’s team claimed their second consecutive T20 league title, and the men’s team reached the semifinals of the Division 2 league, just shy of promotion.
In addition to the club successes, Soroti’s schools have made their mark, with Olila High School winning the Girls Schools Cricket Week three years in a row. The region now boasts five cricket facilities, greatly enhancing local participation.
Felix Musana, the academy’s chairman, reflected on the journey, acknowledging the support from parents, schools, and the Uganda Cricket Association. Looking forward, he expressed hopes for a self-sustaining program and a proper cricket ground that could host international events.
The celebration included a six-a-side tournament, which raised awareness about gender-based violence, underscoring the academy’s role in not just cricket, but community development. Over the past decade, Soroti Cricket Academy has proven how sport can truly change lives.
2024 Award Winners
- Soroti City Player of the Year (Female) – Janet Mbabazi
- Soroti City Player of the Year (Male) – Peter Ocen
- Olila Cricket Club Player of the Year – Sarah Akiteng
- Lorna Anyait (Olila High School) – Girls School Program of the Year
- Tino Sarah (Light SSS) – Best Fielder Girls School Program of the Year
- Josephine Ichumar (Olila High School) – Young Player of the Year Girls School Program
- Malisa Ariokot (Olila High School) – Best Batter Girls School Program
- Ariago Mitchell (Light SSS) – Best Bowler Girls School Program
- Gideo Outeke (Teso College Aloet) – Player of the Year Boys School Program
- Kirabaki Deo (Teso College Aloet) – Young Player of the Year Boys School Program
- Osakan Christopher – Best Fielder Boys School Program
- Abdulai Yusuf (Soroti SSS) – Best Bowler Boys School Program
- Ainebyona Alban (Kiira College Butiki) – Best Batter Boys School Program
