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The importance of school-based cricket tournaments in Uganda is steadily growing.
With limited success at senior levels, the local cricket association is now looking at the annual schools' tournament, as a regular source for national team cricketers.
Leon Ssenyange reports.
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SCRIPT
IN: "Another wicket down....
OUT: SOC
DUR: 2mins 35secs
Another wicket down…from a determined display by Collins Okwalinga.
His school, at this annual cricket championship, is on course to win a record sixteenth title.
The 16-year-old's performances could earn him the 'bowler of the tournament' award.
SOT – COLLINS OKWALINGA, Mwiri Boys Cricket player
My coaches have told me to make notes...and i focus on that..and always during training i ask questions..that coach where did i go wrong..have i improved..and am told am on track..that has improved my game and confidence
Uganda has one of the most comprehensive cricket development programmes in Africa.
The game is currently on the curriculum in over 200 primary schools and around 25 secondary schools.
Player numbers have been increasing with every tournament.
Henry Okecho, Uganda's Cricket development manager says the successes witnessed at the school-level, could steer the nation to the international arena.
SOT - HENRY OKECHO, Development Manager
Over the last three or four years, we have concentrated a lot on the national team at the expense of programmes like these ones..but we decided to regroup and try and channel our priorities into youth structure..these structures actually feed the national team
However, the lack of proper sports facilities remains a major challenge.
The local association receives development grants from the International Cricket Council.
These grants are largely used to attract and introduce the game to potential players and nurture new talent.
SOT - HENRY OKECHO, Development Manager
The future of cricket is bright, i have no doubt about that..i think come 2016, we should play in the u19 world cup..next year when we go into the qualifiers we should come tops in Africa
This East African nation is slated to host the World Cricket League Division 3 tournament later this year.
Getting the much needed experience will be a top priority. And talented players like Okwalinga may find themselves stepping out on the big stage... in the not too distant future..