PRESS RELEASE
Uganda’s senior men’s national cricket team – The Cricket Cranes – ticked all the boxes en route to victory at the International Cricket Council (ICC) Twenty20 World Cup Sub-Regional Qualifier for Africa Group A in Kigali last month.
Uganda emerged unscathed in the seven-team pool with flawless displays against Malawi (10 wickets), Rwanda (103 runs), Lesotho (10 wickets), Eswatini (6 wickets), Ghana (79 runs), and Seychelles (95 runs) for a haul of 12 points to deservedly earn the solo ticket to next week’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier – dubbed The Africa T20 Finals in Rwanda.
Unfortunately, or fortunately, that was only the first step for Uganda in the four-way qualification process to the 2022 ICC T20 World Cup in Australia. The second step is the Africa Finals and Uganda have to do it all over again at two ovals; the Integrated Polytechnic Regional Centre (IPRC) in Kicukiro and Gahanga International Stadium to earn the lone spot to the third step – The ICC T20 World Cup Global Qualifier scheduled for mid-next year.
In Kigali this time, Uganda will line up against familiar foes in Kenya, Nigeria, and 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 to secure their berth.
According to the latest updated World Rankings on icc-cricket.com, Kenya is seeded 25th, Uganda is 28th, Nigeria (36th), and Tanzania (38th). The rankings show no major gulf in class between the four continental finalists which points to one thing – an anticipated closely contested affair over the next week that will see teams compete in a two-round robin format on three double-header match days. Returning captain Brian Mark Masaba who replaces youngster Gerald Mubiru said;
“I am super excited to be able to go out on the field with the boys again. Been tough sitting out, but that's how it goes sometimes. The team is looking good, not much change from the last team. Each one’s roles are clear cut and everyone knows what the job is. The youngsters are growing into their roles and finding their own method within the setup. It's honestly exciting to be part of this blend of experience and youth. We also know it is going to be a very tough week; with three playing days and six games in four days. Hopefully, our physical and mental preparations give us the edge. One game at a time and just minding our processes".
Coach Laurence Mahatlane who will pump up his side for another big show is optimistic.
“We are happy with our processes so far in preparation for the tournament. 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,” said the 45-year-old South African tactician".
The technical team and selectors avoided the temptation of chopping and changing the squad despite many seasoned campaigners rightfully pushing for inclusion with only one change coming from last month’s victorious squad in captain Brian Masaba, who has fully recovered from a hamstring injury.
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