Isaneez Emmanuel, a name etched in Ugandan cricket history, is set to guide the nation’s U19 team as they embark on a crucial journey to Nigeria, aiming for their fourth ICC U19 Cricket World Cup appearance. Emmanuel, who delivered a Player of the Match performance in 2004 against Bangladesh, dismantling their batting lineup with figures of 6 wickets for 32 runs, brings a wealth of experience to the young squad. His international career, spanning from 2005 to his retirement in 2019, has equipped him with invaluable insights, now being passed on to the next generation.
The U19 “Baby Cricket Cranes” will travel to Nigeria on Tuesday, March 25th, 2025, with high hopes. The team’s preparation has been rigorous, featuring numerous internal matches and crucial encounters against Tanzania and Kenya. The innovative “Batball” program, coupled with intensive training camps held in Jinja and Kampala, has played a pivotal role in shaping the boys’ skills and mental fortitude. A recent trial exposure event further refined their abilities, ensuring they are primed for the challenges ahead.
Uganda’s impressive U19 cricket history includes three World Cup qualifications (2004, 2006, and 2022). In 2022, they demonstrated their resilience by securing a commendable 13th place finish, defeating Scotland in the play-off. Additionally, Uganda boasts two ICC U19 Cricket World Cup Africa Qualifier titles (2009 and 2021) and four runner-up positions, highlighting their consistent performance on the continental stage.
The upcoming qualifiers in Nigeria will see six nations – Nigeria, Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Sierra Leone – vying for the coveted spot in the 2026 ICC U19 Cricket World Cup, co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia. The tournament, scheduled from March 28th to April 6th, will be held at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) Cricket Oval and the University of Lagos Cricket Oval.
Uganda’s campaign begins on March 29th against Tanzania, followed by matches against Kenya (March 30th), Sierra Leone (April 1st), Namibia (April 2nd), and Nigeria (April 6th). Captain Gerald Olipa will lead the 14-man squad, which includes talented players such as Devonshire Patel, Sohera Richard, and Gurjivan Singh.
Uganda U19 Squad:
Gerald Olipa (Captain)
Devonshire Patel
Sohera Richard
Kidega Christopher
Nyiiro Jonathan
Owili Robert
Lubwama Conrad
Abraiz Mir Ali
Ochen Peter
Musa Majid
Gurjivan Singh
Balidawa Ali
Aziz Tandia
Okeechobee Jordan
Technical Team:
Isaneez Emmanuel (Head Coach)
Turinawe Robinson (Assistant Coach)
With Isaneez Emmanuel’s experienced guidance and a well-prepared squad, Uganda’s U19 team is determined to secure their place in the 2026 World Cup and continue their legacy of success.
