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The Cricket Cranes will have to upstage neighbours Kenya and familiar foes Nigeria to improve their chances of making the 2022 T20 World Cup Global Qualifiers.
The last time these Uganda met Kenya in a World Cup qualifier game Elijah Othieno held on to defend 19 overs despite Riazat Ali Shah’s late rise.
Uganda suffered a 1 run loss to Kenya at home to compound lots of misery. Laurence Mahatlane has since taken over the charges with Brian Masaba now captain from Roger Mukasa.
The tactician trusts “the process” will exonerate him and his side in the openers against Kenya and Nigeria.
“We back our process, we’ve followed the process for a year now. Every player believes in the process, they have seen what the process can do,” Mahatlane told media.
“Part of the reason we are winning T20 games in a row is because we have had a simple process we have followed. I think the players have executed it well and that what out talk has been in a build up to this.”
A place in the global qualifiers is what is at stake for the top-ranked side in this 4 nation qualifier tournament.
Kenya and Namibia qualified from Kampala in 2019 and Nigeria was fortunate to seek in via the disqualification of Zimbabwe from International cricket.
This term, Kenya and Nigeria came directly into the finals but Tanzania plus Uganda got the finals via the regional qualifiers.
Uganda won the Group A qualifiers while Tanzania was the winner of the Group B qualifiers just last week.
Uganda will be confident after defeating Kenya and Nigeria during the Pearl of Africa Series in September.
The Cricket Cranes arrived safely in Kigali for the 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier Regional Final in Kigali due November 17-20.
The outfit jetted out of the country at around midday on Monday aboard Rwanda Air before touching base in the land of a thousand hills moments later.
Laurence Mahatlane’s men will get into action on Wednesday with two games against Kenya and Nigeria at 10:15am and 2:45pm respectively.
The side is seeking the available lone spot to go the global qualifiers – a qualification pathway to the 2022 ICC Cricket World Cup in Australia.
Brian Masaba is the only change from the team that claimed the Sub-Regional Qualifiers A, the skipper joining in place of spinner Gerald Mubiru.
The Squad
Cricket Cranes Squad – Brian Masaba (Captain), Deus Muhumuza (Vice Captain), Ronak Patel, Simon Ssesazi, Dinesh Nakrani, Frank Akankwasa, Riazat Ali Shah, Kenneth Waiswa, Bilal Hassun, Frank Nsubuga, Saud Islam, Richard Agamire, Henry Ssenyondo, Fred Achelam (wicket-keeper)
The Officials – Laurence Mahatlane (Coach), Jackson Ogwang (Assistant Coach), Shamim Nassali (Physiotherapist), Alvin Bagaya (Analyst), Innocent Ndawula (Media Manager) Jackson Kavuma (Team Manager).
Uganda’s Fixture:
17 November 2021:
10:15am: Kenya vs. Uganda, IPRC Cricket Ground, Kicukiro-Kigali
2:45pm: Uganda vs. Nigeria, Gahanga International Stadium
18 November 2021:
10:15am: Tanzania vs. Uganda, Gahanga International Stadium
2:45pm: Nigeria vs. Uganda, IPRC Cricket Ground, Kicukiro-Kigali
20 November 2021:
10:15am: Uganda vs. Tanzania, Gahanga International Stadium
2:45pm: Uganda vs. Kenya, Gahanga International Stadium
Uganda Cricket Cranes head coach Laurence Mahatlane has urged his players to smartly execute their skills in the 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier Regional Final in Kigali due November 17-20.
The 45-year old has had two weeks of preparation after progressing through the regional qualifiers unbeaten to join Nigeria and Kenya that qualified direct to the finals thanks to their rankings.
Steve Tikolo’s Tanzania, the champions of Sub-Regional Group B last week – who edged Botswana by 3 runs in the do-or-die decisive game at Gahanga are also on the menu.
“We are happy with our processes so far in preparation for the tournament,” Mahatlane told Uganda Cricket Association media.
“We know it will be a tough challenge for all teams playing doubleheaders. It will test all teams physically and mentally.
“We have built some good momentum having won our last 11 T20I’s so it is important we keep building on that.
“Kenya, Nigeria, and ourselves know each other well after the Pearl of Africa T20 Series and coach Steve Tikolo knows the boys very well so we will have to be smart in how we execute our skills.”
Returning captain Brian Masaba boosts the squad’s experience as he replaces youngster Gerald Mubiru. The former takes over the reigns from Deus Muhumuza.
CRICKET CRANES CONTINGENT TO RWANDA –
The Players:
- Brian Masaba (Captain), 2. Deus Muhumuza (Vice Captain), 3. Ronak Patel, 4. Simon Ssesazi, 5. Dinesh Nakrani, 6. Frank Akankwasa, 7. Riazat Ali Shah, 8. Kenneth Waiswa, 9. Bilal Hassun, 10. Frank Nsubuga, 11. Saud Islam, 12. Richard Agamire, 13. Henry Ssenyondo, 14. Fred Achelam (wicket-keeper)
The Officials:
Laurence Mahatlane (Coach), Jackson Ogwang (Assistant Coach), Shamim Nassali (Physiotherapist), Alvin Bagaya (Analyst), Innocent Ndawula (Media Manager) Jackson Kavuma (Team Manager).
AFRICA T20 FINALS – One Spot To The Global Qualifiers in 2022.
Kenya, Nigeria., Tanzania, Uganda
UGANDA’S ITINERARY
15 November 2021:
Uganda arrives in Rwanda & Check-in at La Palisse Hotel, Nyamata
16 November 2021:
Teams Practice, Captains Shoot, and Pre-tournament Briefing
17 November 2021:
10:15 am: Kenya vs. Uganda, IPRC Cricket Ground, Kicukiro-Kigali
2:45 pm: Uganda vs. Nigeria, Gahanga International Stadium
18 November 2021:
10:15 am: Tanzania vs. Uganda, Gahanga International Stadium
2:45 pm: Nigeria vs. Uganda, IPRC Cricket Ground, Kicukiro-Kigali
19 November 2021:
Rest/Reserve Day
20 November 2021:
10:15 am: Uganda vs. Tanzania, Gahanga International Stadium
2:45 pm: Uganda vs. Kenya, Gahanga International Stadium
21 October 2021
Teams departure from Rwanda
Soroti Crciket Academy is on course to become the next hub of talent after the institution laid Astroturf on their training field.
The material was donated by partners Uganda Cricket Association (UCA) in a bid to foster development of players in the Northern region of Uganda.
Upon reception from UCA CEO Marton Ondeko, founder and chairman Felix Musana applauded the governing body’s commitment to support the academy.
“In Feb 2014 wen [sic] I started @SorotiAcademy this was the ultimate goal,” Felix wrote on social media. “A cricketer in Soroti playing the game on a proper surface, teams touring, our cricketers shinning, playing for @CricketUganda.
“God has been Good. Thanks UCA,partners, friends of SCA 4 [sic] fulfilling the dream.”
Over the weekend, the turf was laid before holding the Cricket vibes festival.
Cricket Cranes captain Brian Masaba has returned to replace Gerald Mubiru for the 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier Regional Final in Kigali due November 17-20.
Masaba missed the regional qualifiers last month due to a hamstring injury but the top star returns to take over the reigns from Deus Muhumuza who has been captaining the side since.
The regional finals are a a qualification pathway to the 2022 ICC Cricket World Cup in Australia and the skipper returns to bolster his teammates in a journey to the promised land.
“I am excited to be back,” Masaba told media. “It is not easy to sit out and watch the boys play. We have put in a lot of work ahead of the tough days ahead that has three double headers in a space of four days. But we are backing our processes to put us across the line.”
Uganda will face Kenya, Nigeria and Tanzania – due 15th-21st of November, where the winner proceeds to the global qualifiers early next year.
Tanzania, coached by former Cricket Cranes coach Steven Tikolo, and topped Group B ahead of Botswana, Cameroon, Sierra Leone and Mozambique.
Unlike Uganda and Tanzania who went through the Regional Qualifiers, Nigeria and Kenya qualified direct to the Regional Finals thanks to their rankings.
The Squad
Cricket Cranes Squad – Brian Masaba (Captain), Deus Muhumuza (Vice Captain), Ronak Patel, Simon Ssesazi, Dinesh Nakrani, Frank Akankwasa, Riazat Ali Shah, Kenneth Waiswa, Bilal Hassun, Frank Nsubuga, Saud Islam, Richard Agamire, Henry Ssenyondo, Fred Achelam (wicket-keeper)
The Officials – Laurence Mahatlane (Coach), Jackson Ogwang (Assistant Coach), Shamim Nassali (Physiotherapist), Alvin Bagaya (Analyst), Innocent Ndawula (Media Manager) Jackson Kavuma (Team Manager).
Uganda’s Fixture:
17 November 2021:
10:15am: Kenya vs. Uganda, IPRC Cricket Ground, Kicukiro-Kigali
2:45pm: Uganda vs. Nigeria, Gahanga International Stadium
18 November 2021:
10:15am: Tanzania vs. Uganda, Gahanga International Stadium
2:45pm: Nigeria vs. Uganda, IPRC Cricket Ground, Kicukiro-Kigali
20 November 2021:
10:15am: Uganda vs. Tanzania, Gahanga International Stadium
2:45pm: Uganda vs. Kenya, Gahanga International Stadium
Uganda Cricket U-19 assistant head coach Robinson Turinawe has revealed his team will not be backing down despite being handed a tricky group at next year’s ICC U-19 World Cup in West Indies.
The Pearl faces record four-time champions (2000, 2008, 2012 and 2018) – India, South Africa and Ireland in Pool B of the competition.
The Baby Cricket Cranes will be making their third appearance after World Cup editions in Bangladesh 2004 and Sri Lanka 2006 where two matches have been won and the team finished 14th twice.
Talking up the showdown for early next year, Robinson said it is going to be one of the “toughest” but there will be no backing down.
“The group is the toughest in the tournament but we won’t back down,” Turinawe told Daily Monitor. “We have to do our homework well.”
A group of 25 players began training at Kyambogo and have extended their trials to Lugogo before a two-week tour to Sanjay Farm, a week at the Omtex Academy in India, and another in Sri Lanka.
Simon Kintu got a chance to umpire at the just concluded ICC T20 World Cup qualifiers in Kigali Rwanda where worked with three umpires from Zimbabwe and two from Namibia.
This was his first ICC event since his international cricket debut 11 years ago. He told MTN Sports of how special and different the experience was.
The experience was on another level, nothing I have ever experienced. I worked with guys who have umpired more than 20 T20i games and for me this was my first time at this level. The level of scruinty and preparation is a notch higher from what we are used to back at home. I think on an individual level, the biggest take away for me was the learning and from hereon, the only way is up for me and my colleagues. We have to be prepared when the call up comes so that whoever is called up is a good representative for Uganda.
Simon Kintu
Simon Kintu is the current chairman of the Umpires and Scorers Association and he knows that he has to be part of the solution if Uganda is to have many more umpires at global events.
We have a lot of young umpires interested in umpiring and it’s important that the lessons picked from this event help us better prepare the next generation.
Our national team has started to do better so as they progress so should we as umpires because once we get to ODI, we should have a group of umpires ready to step up. Therefore, we should continoulsy educate eachother as a group and also find opportunities for exposure rather than wait on only ICC events.
Simon Kintu
He was able to stand in at least five games at the tournament and left a good inspiration on his supervisors.
Kintu will surely get another invitation especially with a busy schedule coming up in 2022.
Uganda Cricket Association Chief Executive Officer Martin Ondeko has revealed the fraternity’s desires at the U-19 Cricket World Cup.
He talked up the ambitions after Uganda had been drawn alongside test nations India, South Africa, and Ireland at the event in the West Indies next year.
The nation qualified for the event as winners of the Africa regional qualifiers in October this year and this will be making its third appearance at the junior global showpiece after featuring at the 2004 and 2006 editions in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka respectively.
The Caribbean edition of the World Cup will run from Jan 3rd to Feb 4th, 2022 and the Baby Cricket Cranes will play India and South Africa in Trinidad and Tobago while the game against Ireland will be played in Guyana.
Uganda played against South Africa and Ireland in the previous editions but this will be the 1st time for Uganda to face off with India, this particular match will be available for viewers across the world on TV.
“We got a tough group but none of the other groups is easy as well, we haven’t been at this stage for the last 16 years but we want to leave a positive mark on the tournament and also gain some experience,” Ondeko told UCA website.
“The preparations for the team are already underway and we hope to be in the best shape before we travel to West Indies.”
A group of 25 players has been called up by the technical team to start preparations for the build-up tour to India scheduled for Nov 19th – Dec 9th.
The team will visit Sanjay Farm from 19th to 25th November, with the hosts organizing a specialist batting coach from the West Indies for the youngsters, they will switch base to Omtex ICWC academy from Nov 26th to Dec 9th before returning back home.
Martin Ondeko CEO of Uganda Cricket Association had this to say about the World Cup Schedule and team preparations
Uganda U-19 World Cup Fixtures:
Uganda U-19 v Ireland U-19 – 15/01/2022
Uganda U-19 v SouthAfrica U-19 – 18/01/2022
Uganda U-19 v India U-19 -22/01/2022
Uganda will battle some of the best cricketing nations in the world at the 2022 U19 Cricket World Cup that will be hosted by West Indies.
The baby cricket cranes were drawn alongside powerhouses India and South Africa as well as Ireland.
It will be Uganda’s 3rd appearance at the U-19 World Cup having made the 2004 and 2006 editions.
Uganda played South Africa AT the 2004 edition and also faced Ireland in the plate event at the same event. Uganda and Ireland met again in the warm-up game and plate event in the 2006 edition.
The matches against India and South Africa will be played in Trinidad and Tobago while the game against Ireland will be played in Guyana.
Uganda’s squad of 25 players has already started preparations for the tournament. They will visit India for a 21-day build-up tour in India from 19th November to 9th December.
During their stay in India, the Baby Cricket Cranes will play warm-up games and also get specialized training at ICWC Omext Academy.
Uganda’s Group Fixtures
- Jan 15: Uganda U-19 vs. Ireland U-19
- Jan 18: Uganda U-19 vs. SouthAfrica U-19
- Jan 22: Uganda U-19 vs. India U-19
Aziz Damani claimed the National Ladies T20 League title after edging Soroti Cricket Academy by 9 runs in the final playing at the Kyambogo University Oval on Sunday.
The women’s cricket powerhouse beat Pioneer by 115 runs in the one-sided semifinal with Rachel Ntono (76) and Immaculate Nakisuyi (49) the top run-scorers. In the other semifinal, which was a contest, Soroti Cricket Academy knocked out Wanderers with a 24-run win.
With the top two teams reaching the final, the title game was always going to be a close contest.
Aziz Damani won the toss and elected to bat first. Irene Alumo and Phiona Kulume were disciplined with the ball upfront and never gave Damani a chance to score with Kenyan international Veronica Ambuga (23) and Immaculate Nakisuyi (13) the only notable contributors to a team total of 77.
Patricia Malemekia never made the chase easy for Soroti Cricket Academy, giving away just five runs in her four overs and picking up two wickets that set the tone for the defence of the total.
While Esther Iloku (23) tried to hold together the chase for Soroti Cricket Academy, she never found a stable partner with her side falling short by 9 runs.
Nakisuyi was named the tournament MVP award while Soroti Cricket Academy’s duo of Christine Anayo and Proscovia Alako took home the best bowler and best batter awards respectively.