South African Laurence Mahatlane has officially been unveiled as Uganda Cricket Cranes Head Coach. The exercise witnessed by Uganda Cricket Association (UCA) – CEO Martin Ondeko, NCS Chairman – Donald Rukare and other association’s officials took place on Thursday at Kati Kati Restaurant in Lugogo.
Mahatlane’s immediate assignment will be to prepare the team for the tour to Qatar next month. The squad for the tour was released early this month.
Mahatlane was given the Cricket Cranes job in June this year following the departure of Steve Tikolo from his role as Head Coach of the team a couple of months ago.
Mahatlane, who is working on a three year contract has been keenly following the developments in Uganda with his involvement in some of the online sessions as well as the recently concluded Elite League. He will continue to work with the Interim Coach Davis Turinawe and Jackson Ogwang as he gets used to his players.
“It’s been an interesting journey getting to finally work with the team. It’s been a tough six months not being able to work due to COVID-19. But above all, I am looking forward to working with the players,” Mahatlane told the media adding that he seeks to see the game grow not just at the national team level but also in the grassroots.
Martin Ondeko the CEO of Uganda Cricket Association said that Mahatlane has been tasked to help the team attain ODI status in two years time, and also make Uganda a test nation.
“We are excited that Laurence is finally in the country to take up the position. A lot ahead for the national team so early preparations are key. His immediate assignment will be to prepare the team for the tour to Qatar next month,” Ondeko added.
Ondeko also revealed that Mahatlane has a lot of work to do as the association also seeks to build a bigger player base.
NCS’ Donald Rukare urged the new tacticians to be a hard-working coach and strive to emulate South Africa. He also re echoed the subject of ODI status.
Mahatlane, 44 had stints with; the SA U-19 side at the 2020 World Cup in South Africa, he was assistant coach for the Highveld Lions from 2000 – 2001 before taking up the role of Cricket South Africa U19 Head Coach in 2014. He is also a rugby and cricket TV commentator at the South Africa Broadcasting Corporation (SABC).
He also excelled at Cricket and Rugby in high school before choosing the former as a career.
With a vast ray of experience, Mahatlane is now buoyed to get to work with the boys.
