Uganda vice-captain Juma Miyaji has linked up with the Cricket Cranes squad in Windhoek after enjoying a productive semi-professional stint in Namibia that culminated in a league title triumph with ATG WHS Old Boys Cricket Club 1.
The 22-year-old has spent the past few weeks adapting to life in Namibia, playing for the club thanks to an opportunity created by Namibia Eagles captain Gerhard Erasmus, who connected him to the team.
Miyaji played a key role as ATG WHS Old Boys clinched the Namibia National 50-Over League title on Sunday, March 15 with a 33-run victory over Wanderers after posting 307/7.
The Ugandan all-rounder finished his stint with 11 wickets for 199 runs in 59.4 overs from five matches, returning best figures of 3/22 and maintaining an impressive 3.34 economy rate, while also contributing four catches in the field.
In Sunday’s final, Miyaji returned figures of 1/35 in 10 overs, including a maiden, and claimed the crucial wicket of Riaan Minni (47) as Wanderers were restricted to 274/9.
Miyaji delighted
Speaking after linking up with the Uganda squad that arrived Monday evening for their 10-day season build-up tour, Miyaji said the experience had helped him grow as a cricketer.
I really had a great time in Namibia and playing under the Namibian skipper Erasmus who pushed me so hard in every single game I played helped me so much in terms of playing longer games like the ODIs, staying focused every time till the last over,
Miyaji said
And my first time playing in this league, putting up a great performance that led us to victory was the best feeling for me.
He added that the stint improved his discipline with the ball.
When I talk about my bowling, I would say I improved a lot in terms of my lines and also keeping up that momentum when you’re on top matters more.
Positive vibes
Miyaji also believes the conditions in Namibia offer a good environment for thinking fast bowlers.
The wickets in Namibia have been really good to bowl on because they offer good bounce. It’s something I’ve enjoyed and I hope to bring those positive vibes and confidence into the Uganda setup.
Uganda begin their 2026 international season with this Tour of Namibia from March 16–26, where they will play two T20 matches and three 50-over games against Namibia and Namibia A at the High Performance (HP) Oval and FNB Namibia Cricket Ground.
New faces in squad
The tour squad features three potential debutants; Anas Mirza Baig, Gerald Olipa and Charles Musemeza while Simon Ssesazi, Kenneth Waiswa, Bilal Hassun and Mathew Musinguzi return after missing last year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Finals in Harare.
The series will also mark the first assignment for newly appointed head coach Steve Tikolo, who recently signed a three-year contract with Cricket Uganda.
Tikolo described the reunion with the Cricket Cranes as a homecoming and is eager to guide the team through a crucial international season that includes qualification campaigns for global tournaments.
Uganda’s preparations in Namibia are geared towards the ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League B in August and the 2028 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifiers in October.