As the Skyview Boys’ Schools Cricket Week gets very intense and competitive, St. Joseph’s College, Layibi Head Coach Ivan Kagoda feels an immense sense of pride towards his team of young players despite picking just one win from the three matches they have played so far.
Despite losing some and winning some, Coach Ivan says that he has seen growth and progress in each of his players, and that makes him incredibly proud especially basing on the fact that his side are tournament debutants.
On Tuesday, Layibi lost by 128 runs (178/10 against 50/10 ) against Nyakasura School who are unbeaten in Group B with four wins from four games.
“Despite the loss, we managed to put a strong barrier against Nyakasura compared to the first game against Kololo SSS where we lost by 180 runs (222/3 against 42/10),” Kagoda said adding that he is proud of the quick growth and progress in his team.
Against Nyakasura, Daniel Obua was the only Layibi player to post double figures, managing 13 runs from 19 balls. He was run out by Richard Busobozi.
For Nyakasura, Richard Busobozi posted a game high 45 runs from 34 balls while Matthew Musinguzi had 37 runs to his name. Mark Ruhweza (17 runs), Nathan Mujulizi (12 runs), Joseph Baguma (10 runs) and Enock Kasaija (10 runs) all managed double figures.
Meanwhile, Layibi’s only win came in their second outing against Good Heart where by triumphed by 107 runs (158/6 against 51/8). Then, Layibi’s Joel Rubangakene was the standout player with 34 runs.
Kagoda highlighted the positives for his side, but never let the victory get to the players’ heads. He reminds them that no matter how well they played, there was always room for improvement.
“There are many positives to look at than the negatives…in the next few games we are going to play, the boys will always be calm and positive. Being debutants I believe by the end of the tournament they will be somewhere very far,” Kagoda said adding that the Skyview Boys’ Schools Cricket Week will help grow the game at their schedule.
For Kagoda, it’s not just about the final scores or the number of wins. It is about the love for the game, the dedication, and the lessons learned on the field. And for Kagoda, seeing his team grow with a greater appreciation for the sport and a stronger bond with each other is the most rewarding thing of all.
Layibi are sixth in Group B off two points while Nyakasura lead the eight-team table with eight points, two ahead of second placed Kololo SSS.
Layibi will face St. John’s, Kauga in their fourth game today.
Meanwhile, in Group A, Jinja SSS lead the table with eight points from four games while Busoga College, Mwiri is second with six points from three games. The duo is still perfect.
The Skyview Boys’ Schools Cricket Week, 2023 edition is currently underway in Jinja City and will wind down on 1 September 2023. It features 16 secondary schools from across the country.
