Aziz Damani will look to get their title defence on a perfect note when they take on their junior side Aziz Damani Development on Sunday in the National T20 League at Lugogo Cricket Oval.
Damani were supposed to open their campaign against Kutchi Tigers, but with the Tigers confirming their unavailability for reasons known to themselves, the defending champions will now have their B side to contend with in their opening game.
The two sides, both coached by assistant cricket cranes coach Jackson Ogwang will be facing off for the first time in the league, and it is one fixture that promises to be thrilling.
“Playing against each other is very exciting! I want a strong start for both teams but unfortunately, only one team can win on Sunday,” A seemingly conflicted Ogwang told The SportsNation.
Aziz Damani lost the services of Kenneth Waiswa to Challengers Cricket Club, but the side is still stacked with experienced players in their roster. Alpesh Ramjani, Juma Miyaji, Simon Ssesazi, Riazat Ali Shah, Charles Waiswa, and the Kenyan duo of Irfan Karim and Emmanuel Bundi all turn up for the side.
They will be looking to use that experience against Damani Development, but like them, their junior side isn’t devoid of experience. Frank Nsubuga and Brian masaba, all loan returnees from Wanderers will lead the side that has Henry Ssenyondo and Roger Mukasa among others.
“We are happy to welcome back our senior members of the team who were on loan the last season. They will definitely inject in the much needed experience we missed last season.” Ogwang said.
Away from Damani, Wanderers Cricket Club will face Avengers at the Green Oval in Entebbe. The side coached by legendary Sam Walusimbi will be hoping to get their campaign on a good note as they look to challenge for the title.
With both Masaba and Nsubuga returning to their parent club, Wanderers seem short handed, but the club manager Nicholas Kisarale insists they are well placed to upset the big boys.
“We embark on a T20 Campaign without Brian Masaba and Franko (Frank Nsubuga) who have headed back to Aziz Damani, but our skipper Davis Karashani has selected a youthful side which we believe can develop within and upset the So called favourite sides.”
Wanderers beefed up their squad with the acquisition of Ignace Ntireganya and Wilson Niyitanga, both from Rwanda. They will definitely fancy their chances of finishing above fourth, their position last term.
