Lugazi Rovers today became the first African team to play in the Little League World Series when they played Panama in the first game, but got a rude welcome losing 9-3 in South Williamsport, US.
Paul Kateregga, the team manager told Uganda Radio Network that although they lost their team still drew vocal fans who cheered wildly. Uganda managed just three hits and committed four errors.
Uganda will now face Mexico tonight after the later lost to Canada in the first game.
Lugazi Rovers qualified over ten days ago after beating Kuwait City 5-2 in the final of the Middle East and Africa Baseball tournament in Kutno, Poland.
In the other games played, Indiana beat Oregon 4-0, while Texas humbled New Jersey 5-2.
The junior team’s players include Andrew Namwanjja, Tom Anderson Ogaku, Lawrence Okonzi, Ronald Olaa and Fred Enzama. The others are Stephen Lematia, Tonny Okello, Job Ochon, Daniel Alio, Justine Makisimu and Henry Odong.
Officials are Coach Henry Odong, team manager Paul Kateregga and Richard Stanley, who is Leader of team.
Win or lose, the Little League World Series team from Uganda has become a hometown favorite.
The first team from Africa to advance to South Williamsport in the 66-year history of the tourney did fall in its debut, but the coaches said they didn't expect any parents of the players to make the expensive transatlantic trip to Pennsylvania. But Uganda has still drawn vocal fans who cheered, especially after Daniel Alio's towering home run to center in the sixth.
Alio and his teammates, though, were the biggest stars. Manager Henry Odong said they're proud to represent Africa, where baseball is an emerging sport but not nearly as popular as soccer.
He noted that it's been a special month already for Uganda sports after Stephen Kiprotich won gold in the men's marathon race at the London Olympics.
