Cricket Cranes debutants eager to get going at Continent Cup T20
Robinson Obuya and Siraje Nsubuga have a chance to make their senior debuts for the Cricket Cranes at the inaugural Continent Cup T20 scheduled for 9th to 21st June in Kenya’s Capital, Nairobi.
The duo who ply their trade with local top tier outfits Aziz Damani CC and Africa Cricket Club respectively have vowed to make their debuts count in order to stamp their names on the national team.
A good display in Nairobi could secure slots in the national team for the two players with the tours of Namibia and Rwanda around the corner. The duo are aware of what’s at stake and are eager to get going at the continental meet.
“The training has been good and I was giving it my best on a daily basis,” Obuya who is a batsman said during the team flag-off on Tuesday at Lugogo Sports Complex in Kampala adding that; “this is an important tournament for me because I’m going to get a chance to represent my country and showcase my talent which is good for my development and exposure. You should expect runs because I’ll give my best with the bat and will also field well.”
Just like Obuya, Nsubuga too is filled with excitement and has promised to put up a good show in Nairobi if given a chance and will also pick lessons throughout the outing.
“I’m hoping to give my best!” the batting all-rounder said adding that; “I have been trying to learn many things from the senior players especially my namesake Frank Nsubuga so I feel great and I’ll continue learning from them.”
At the Nairobi meet, Nsubuga is ready to give 100% percent to ensure that the team selectors keep their eyes on him with the Cricket Cranes braced for a busy schedule.
Cricket Cranes selected squad of 14 will be led by Brian Masaba and has Dinesh Nakrani and Bilal Hassun who missed the tour to Qatar. Youngsters Cyrus Kakuru and Pascal Murungi get another opportunity in the side to show that they can challenge for places ahead of the T20 World Cup Qualifiers.
Juma Miyagi misses out due to injury and Ronald Lutaya misses out due to University exams.
Meanwhile, Cricket Cranes squad was flagged off by representatives from National Council of Sports, Uganda Cricket Association and Kansai Plascon.
The four-nation event will feature Kenya (hosts), Uganda, Rwanda and Botswana. Tanzania and Nigeria were initially set to take part but pulled out due to unknown reasons.
The tournament will be played in a triple round-robin format with a final that will be played by the best two teams.
The tournament has been sanctioned by the ICC and therefore will have T20 ranking points with Uganda the highest-ranked team at the tournament at 24th, Kenya 28th, Tanzania 30th, Botswana 49th, and Rwanda 67th in the world.
Apart from Botswana all the other teams will be at the T20 World Cup Qualifiers later in the year and this tournament should give the Cricket Cranes a good test as they prepare for the Qualifiers.
The Team: Roger Mukasa, Simon Ssesazi, Robinson Obuya, Riazat Ali Shah, Dinesh Nakrani, Frank Nsubuga, Brian Masaba (Captain), Alpesh Ramjani, Kenneth Waiswa, Siraje Nsubuga, Kakuru Cyrus, Henry Ssenyondo, Bilal Hassun, Pascal Murungi.
Officials: Lawrence Mahatlane (Head Coach), Jackson Ogwang (Assistant Coach), Steve Tusiime (Team Analyst), Shamim Nassali (Physiotherapist), Marion Malinga (Media Attache) and Charles Waiswa (Team Manager).
