No one believed we'll make it to T20 World Cup: Uganda spinner Ssenyondo

Left-arm spinner Henry Ssenyondo took four wickets for 20 runs and won Player of the Match award to help Uganda win the final of the Africa Cricket Association Cup against Kenya in Benoni, South Africa last month.His performance was crucial in helping the east African nation bowl out Kenya for 95 and win the title clash by 91 runs. The win on December 19 capped off a great year for Uganda who had surprised the world by qualifying for the 2024 T20 World Cup to be held in West Indies and USA. In an exclusive interview, Ssenyondo spoke to www.theflyslip.online about himself and his career.

Q. Tell us about yourself, and how did you pick cricket?

A. I started cricket when I was in primary school. I was born in Kampala and that is where our main cricket stadium, Lugogo Cricket Oval, is located. When I was young I used to play many games there. We play cricket, tennis, volleyball, hockey, badminton, and every sport there. But I started specialising in cricket. When I started my senior secondary school, I played at all levels –under-10, under-13, under-15, under-17, under-19 and then in the national team. The facilities were not good then -- even now they aren’t. But again, I saw people playing cricket and I also started playing cricket. I have four brothers – Ssesaazi Simon, Ssempijia Lawrence, Ssemanda Ronald -- who play cricket. Ronald, who has retired, had played the ICC U-19 World Cup (2004 and 2006). Ssempijia Lawrence, the second last born is now the assistant coach of senior women’s cricket team. Recently they qualified for T20 World Cup Global Qualifiers. They go next year to play in Dubai. Ssesaazi Simon is a left-handed batter in the national team. Right now, we are four guys who are in cricket.

Q. How has life changed after qualifying for the T20 World Cup? Are people in Uganda recognising you?

A. To be honest, when we started our journey for qualifying for the World Cup, no one believed that we will go through. Even our association never believed we will qualify. We went through all the struggles, trying to get matches, trying to play trial matches, get facilities to train, balls, equipment, you name it. But again, the team was focussed. Guys were hungry, they wanted to do something that no Ugandan national team has ever done, that is, qualifying for the World Cup. Right now, we have qualified and people are recognising us. The government and everyone, those who never believed that we are going to qualify, they are now recognising. Some of them are enjoying our success, our performance like you said. Going to Namibia (for T20 World Cup Qualifiers), we needed to beat some tougher teams to get a spot and luckily enough we beat Zimbabwe, making history. This was the first time we beat a Test playing nation, and I am super proud of my teammates and of what we have achieved right now. We are really happy to be part of it.

Q. Can you tell us about your performance in the final?

A. I was performing from the first game of the tournament. I wanted to prove something, to prove to the coach and my fellow players that yes, I have been like the core player of the team ever since I was selected in the national team. I wanted them to know that I am still that person which the team relies on to do the job. My performance in the finals, to be honest, I never thought that it would be this great. It came at the time the team needed me to strike and to play that role that I had always been playing. I am happy, I performed well and did my job. I led the team to be the champions the second time and to get the victory the team wanted.

Q. Who is your role model? Who do you idolise?

A. I always believe that I can be my own role model if I work hard and work smart. I worked very hard to be a professional. Right now what I am looking forward to is making an impact in the World Cup, and trying to achieve something that no one has ever achieved in my country -- to get 100 wickets in T20Is. Right now, I have 90 wickets. I am looking to getting those 10 wickets and becoming the first person to get 100 wickets in T20Is in Uganda. I am my own role model right now.

Cricket, Uganda, ICC, T20, T20 World Cup,