Namibia were too good for Cricket Cranes (Uganda men’s national cricket team) in their previous meeting with the former convincingly winning the Series in April last year.
The two sides renew their rivalry in Windhoek during the Tour of Namibia (Castle Lite Series) scheduled for April 6-13 2022.
The morale in the Cricket Cranes camp is high after the Uganda Cricket Association (UCA) a few days ago unveiled Kansai Plascon Uganda as the new team’s paint partner with a Shs240m package.
Cricket Cranes Coach Laurence Mahatlane says that his side will attempt to turn the tide though he knows the quality of the opponent they’re coming up against.
“We have been preparing for this event for a while and I believe the boys are ready. The youngsters in the team have been equally exciting in the build up and generally we’re looking forward to a great year ahead,” Mahatlane said during the team’s official flag off on Monday at the Lugogo sports complex in Kampala.
“This is going to be the highest team we have ever played in terms of ICC rankings. They’re ranked 16th in T20I and are already guaranteed a spot in the World Cup. We have the perfect chance to gauge where we are and it is going to be a good experience for the youngsters to experience some tough cricket. We want to see how far we have come in one year since we last played them,” Mahatlane added.
Among others, Uganda will be hosting the ICC Cricket World Challenge League B in June, play at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier B in Zimbabwe and will also be involved in the Pearl of Africa Series and Tour of Nigeria later this year. The Namibia do will possibly fine tune the side for other 2022 outings.
In Namibia, the teams will compete in both T20 and 50 over matches. The former has ICC ranking points with trophies at stake for both formats of the game.
Namibia have a second round of Cricket World Cup League 2 encounters to take care of whereas Uganda will use the tour to prepare for their own set of engagements.
Six players; debutants Juma Miyagi and Emmanuel Hasahya, captain Brian Masaba (injury), Deus Muhumuza (academic obligations), Richard Agamire and Simon Ssesazi were not part of the touring
party last year when the Cranes toured Namibia but have rightfully earned their spots in the side.
UGANDA’S WORLD CUP SQUAD:
1.Brian Masaba (Captain), 2. Deus Muhumuza (Vice-Captain), 3. Dinesh Nakrani, 4. Riazat Ali Shah, 5. Kenneth Waiswa, 6. Fred Achelam, 7. Frank Nsubuga, 8. Arnold Otwani, 9. Henry Ssenyondo, 10. Cosmas Kyewuta, 11. Emmanuel Hasahya, 12. Simon Ssesazi, 13. Frank Akankwasa, 14. Richard Agamire, 15. Juma Miyagi.
OFFICIALS:
1. Laurence Mahatlane (Head Coach), 2. Jackson Ogwang (Assistant Coach), 3. Shamim Nassali (Physiotherapist) 4. Alvin Mboijana Bagaya (Analyst), 5. Innocent Ndawula (Media Manager), 6. Jackson Kavuma (Team Manager).
TOUR OF NAMIBIA ITINERARY
April 6: Arrival in Windhoek
April 7: Practice Session
April 8-10: T20Is vs Namibia
April 12-13: 50-over matches vs. Namibia A
CASTLE LITE SERIES – MATCHES BREAKDOWN
April 8 – T20 International:
2pm-5pm: Uganda vs. Namibia, United Cricket Club
April 9 – T20 International:
11am-2pm: Uganda vs. Namibia, United Cricket Club
April 10 – T20 International:
1pm-4pm: Uganda vs. Namibia, United Cricket Club
April 12: 50-over Match
10.30am-5.45pm: Uganda vs. Namibia A, United Cricket Club
April 13: 50-over Match
10.30am-5.45pm: Uganda vs. Namibia A, United Cricket Club.
*Partial credit to UCA Press Release.
