Kampala — UGANDA's U-19 cricketers left early this morning in buoyant shape for the Africa Region U-19 World Cup qualifiers in Johannesburg.

The team was flagged off last evening by Uganda Cricket Association (UCA) chairman William Kibuuka Musoke who represented NCS general secretary Jasper Aligaweesa.

"We have a strong team, and we are confident we shall qualify," team manager Bashir Ansasira remarked.

The team will be skippered by ACC all-rounder Ronald Ssemanda. A formidable batting arsenal will be led by the aggressive Roger Mukasa.

Uganda is in Pool 2 alongside Tanzania, Nigeria and Botswana, and will be odds-on-favourites to advance to the semi-finals.

The finalists will qualify for the U-19 World Cup, to be staged in February next year. Uganda has taken part in the last two editions of the event.

The team: Ssemanda, R. Mukasa, E. Nakaana, A. Kyobe, A. Yakub, D. Muhumuza, A. Zirate, J. Ssebbanja. M. Patel, A. Sangau, C. Waiswa, D. Tabby, A. Ochan, D. Batuwa

Officials: S. Walusimbi (coach), B. Ansasira (manager), J. Kavuma (physio), D. Kamala (umpire).

U-19 WC QUALIFIERS

August 25

Uganda v Tanzania