It is well scripted that no Ugandan franchise has come out top in the past two editions of the 50-Over East Africa Cup. And the onus is on Warriors and Knights to turn tables and reclaim some silverware at this year’s edition starting on Saturday in Nairobi. “We’ve come close but haven’t won,” Knights captain Davis Karashani told Kawowo Sports before the sides left for Nairobi on Thursday.
Knights, who lost the inaugural final back in 2011, play Sameer Simbas at the Simba Union Oval. “We want to get as far as possible in this tournament,” Karashani said. And Knights hope to make further progress with new inclusions in U-19 all-rounder Varinder Singh and Denis Tabby. The pair replaces Tornado wicket-keeper batsman Nicholas Kebba and Arthur Ziraba who helped Knights finish third in the Twenty20 East Africa Premier League last weekend.
Meanwhile, last year’s runners-up are too hoping their batting comes of age to end the three-week showpiece on top. Warriors play I&M Bank Nyatis at Nairobi Club. “We are going to build on our second place finish in the T20s and change a few things,” Warriors skipper Lawrence Ssematimba. “Our top order needs to click a lot more and we’ll be in touching distance with the trophy.” he added.
EAST AFRICA CUP
Sameer Simbas vs. Knights – Simba Union Oval
Warriors vs. I&M Bank Nyatis – Nairobi Oval