Lady Cranes Sevens Captain Peace Lekuru was named the best of November in the rugby category during the Fortebet Real Stars Sports Monthly Awards session that happened on Tuesday, 12th December 2023 at Lazio Bar and Restaurant in Kololo, Kampala.
To win the award, Lekuru who was recently crowned Female Rugby player of the year by Uganda Rugby Union beat competition from national team stars Aaron Ofoyrwoth and Ivan Magomu who were the other nominees.
Lekuru’s recognition comes after she guided the Lady Cranes Sevens to their first ever Safari Sevens triumph in Nairobi. Lekuru emerged as the tournament MVP with a top try scorer accolade in her hands.
It was the first time for Lekuru to win the award after three nominations and now the Avengers star seeks to work more harder for both club and country in order to return to the stage to pick more awards.
“It’s a good achievement for me and I’m so happy about it. I want to continue working hard because I believe there’s still more in store for me,” Lekuru said adding that; “it’s been a tough year for me but I didn’t give up and I’m happy that my efforts are paying off.”
Lekuru who dedicated the award to her mother, teammates and Mongers RFC adds that collective effort from those around her, including coaches and fellow players, has helped her reach greater heights.
Lekuru is in the Lady Cranes Sevens training squad currently preparing for the World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger 2024 scheduled for 12-14 January at The Sevens Stadium in Dubai. The recent award has hyped up Lekuru to give it her all at the event proper.
Meanwhile, in the cricket category, Cricket Cranes Captain Brian Masaba emerged winner, beating competition from teammates Alpesh Ramjan and Dinesh Nakrani. Masaba guided his side to first ever T20 World Cup to be held next year in USA and West Indies during the continental qualifier in Namibia. Masaba left Windhoek with the best bowling economy with an average of 18 runs in four innings
Titus Odeke Lual won in the basketball category beating teammates Fayed Baale and Tony Drileba to the award. Lual guided City Oilers to their consecutive African Basketball League appearance. He left Johanesburg (at the qualifier) with four games played, 32 points total, 8 points per game, with 6 rebounds per game.
The Pool accolade went to Ceaser Chandinga who beat competition from Azali Lukomwa and Rukiya Nayiga. The Gulu sharp shooter emerged champion of the National Open after beating Lukomwa by 9 to 5.
Muzamir Ssemuddu took home the boxing gong after beating competition from Swalik Kisitu and Farahat Manilola. He won the highly contested fight between him and Zebra Ssenyange.
Bright Stars Captain Nelson Senkatuka claimed the football accolade after beating fellow nominees Ronald Ssekiganda and Norman Angufinduru to the prize. Senkatuka finished the month of November with five goals in three games helping Bright Stars collect seven points.
The Tuesday awards session was graced by Real Stars Sports Agency CEO, Isaac Mukasa, Fortebet’s Resty Mbatidde and and Henry Zzimbe from Jude Color Solutions who are partners.
