Olipa Gerald addressing the media in the course of the flag off at Lugogo
Olipa Gerald, the captain of Uganda’s U19 cricket crew, is a key participant to observe because the Child Cricket Cranes attempt for a spot on the 2026 ICC U19 World Cup.
Hailing from Jinja Street Barracks, Kampala, Olipa’s cricket journey started at Shimon Demonstration Main Faculty, the place he led his crew to the nationals within the Mini Cricket competitors.
His ardour and management abilities have since propelled him to nationwide prominence.
Olipa performs as a top-order batsman for Twister Bees Cricket Membership in Uganda’s home league.
Regardless of his crew’s struggles, ending second final, Olipa’s particular person efficiency stood out, scoring 224 runs from seven innings.
His versatility has additionally seen him play for Twister, Strikers and Aziz Damani Improvement, constantly delivering sturdy performances throughout totally different golf equipment.
As captain of Busoga School Mwiri, he led the college to a runners-up end on the Boys’ Nationals final yr.
Within the 2023 U19 World Cup qualifiers in Tanzania, Uganda fell brief, ending third behind Namibia and Kenya. Olipa contributed 50 runs from 4 innings, however his repute as a stable participant stays sturdy.
His experience with a straight bat within the V zone makes him one among Uganda’s most dependable batsmen.
His distinctive type on the Boys’ Nationals final yr, the place he scored 583 runs, together with two centuries and three half-centuries, whereas additionally taking 21 wickets, additional solidified his place as a participant to observe.
Olipa’s management extends past batting, as he has been a key determine in Uganda’s current observe collection.
Within the Easter Youth 50-over collection, his performances have been pivotal in each match Uganda gained.
The child Cricket Cranes touched down in Lagos Nigeria yesterday and because the crew prepares for the upcoming match in Nigeria, the place they are going to compete in opposition to Nigeria, Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Sierra Leone, Olipa stays assured.
“We’re set for an excellent marketing campaign,”
he mentioned, expressing hope for Uganda to make a powerful push for the World Cup spot.
Uganda U19- After touching down in Lagos yesterday
Uganda has a proud U19 cricket historical past, with three World Cup {qualifications} (2004, 2006, 2022) and two Africa Qualifier titles.
The 2026 World Cup qualifiers, set to happen from March twenty eighth to April sixth in Nigeria, provide an important alternative for Uganda to safe their place.
Just one crew from the six nations will earn the coveted World Cup spot.
As Uganda appears to be like to construct on previous successes, Olipa can be instrumental of their journey.
The Uganda U19 crew was formally flagged off by the Nationwide Council of Sports activities, with their marketing campaign kicking off on March twenty ninth in opposition to Tanzania.
They’ll then face Kenya on March thirtieth, Sierra Leone on April 1st, Namibia on April 2nd, and Nigeria on April sixth.
Uganda U19’s fixtures- Video games at TBC oval can be Televised
Pictures from the Flag off ceremony
