Brian Masaba, who captained the Cricket Cranes at their first-ever senior Cricket World Cup, has been named the best cricketer at the Fortebet Real Stars Sports Monthly Awards held today in Kololo.
Masaba expressed his enthusiasm following the win, highlighting their maiden appearance last month in the West Indies as a pivotal moment for Ugandan cricket.
Despite stepping down as Cricket Cranes captain after the 2024 ICC T20 Cricket World Cup, Masaba continues to earn recognition for his outstanding performance at the global event, where he collected five wickets and helped the team secure a fourth-place finish in group C.
Masaba edged out teammates Juma Miyaji and Cosmas Kyewuta to clinch the accolade.
Reflecting on the tournament, he remarked, “It was an enlightening experience, and we learned from the best players in the world about their approach to the game and their mindsets. I was happy with our batting and bowling, especially Juma Miyaji and Cosmas Kyewuta, who performed well as young men.”
Masaba emphasized the significance of winning the award, saying, “It’s an indication of where Ugandan cricket is at, and I believe I have won it on behalf of the team that went out there and gave it their best.”
In other categories, welterweight boxer Joshua Nyanzi won the boxing award, Junior Gazelles guard Modesta Anyago clinched the basketball award, and Uganda Cranes defender Elio Capradossi was voted best footballer. Former Kabaka chief of Ssaza Singo, Godfrey Mbarire, received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the Masaza football tournament.
The Fortebet Real Stars Sports Monthly Awards aim to recognize and reward outstanding sportsmen and sportswomen.
