National men’s cricket team coach Laurence Mahatlane is leaving no stone unturned in Uganda’s quest for the 2023 ODI World Cup.
The route appears to be pretty long but the Cricket Cranes are intent on throwing the kitchen sink at every opponent in the second and third rounds of the ICC World Cup Challenge League (WCCL) B events set to come.
The second round of WCCL B comes in September in Jersey and Mahatlane in line with the Uganda Cricket Association (UCA) have rewarded 12 players with new ‘Uganda A’ contracts to bolster the side.
The announcement was made ahead of Uganda’s tour of Namibia in a Castle Lite Series due April 2-9 in Windhoek.
Mahatlane has awarded contracts to players including former U-19 skipper Frank Akankwasa, senior player Jonathan Ssebanja, Derrick Bakunzi, and Richard Agamiire not to forget the hardworking pace-man Harsh Panchal.
“We would like to look after everyone,” exclaimed coach Laurence Mahatlane in a press release by UCA.
“Unfortunately we cannot do it for all of them at once. We have to remunerate them as per the work they put in. In the end, we aim to cater for 32 players.”
UCA had earlier issued out contracts for 12 players for the core side. The two groups are integrated as Uganda prepares for five matches; three Twenty20 Internationals and two 50-over (Limited Over) matches in Namibia.
The Cricket Cranes head into a bubble on Monday before flying out later in the week.
UGANDA’S TOUR TO NAMIBIA ITINERARY.
April 2: Arrival in Windhoek
April 3:
2pm: T20 International
April 4: Rest Day/Training (2-5 pm)
April 5:
10am: T20 International
2pm: T20 International
April 6: Rest Day/Training (2-5 pm)
April 7:
9 am: 50-over Match
April 8:
9 am: 50-over Match
April 9: Departure
NB: *All Games & Trainings Will Be Played At Wanderers Cricket Ground/ Turf Nets
Uganda A Contracts: Frank Akankwasa (captain), Gerald Mubiru, Trevor Bukenya, Jonathan Ssebanja, Siraje Nsubuga, Jonathan Kizza, Rogers Olipa, Derrick Bakunzi, Steven Wabwose, Richard Agamire, Perry Wazombe, and Harsh Panchal.
Cricket Cranes ‘Grade A’ Contracts: Frank Nsubuga, Simon Ssesazi, Ronak Patel, Fred Achelam, Kenneth Waiswa, Riazat Ali Shah, Cosmas Kyewuta, Dinesh Nakrani, Henry Ssenyondo, Emmanuel Hasahya, Arnold Otwani, and Brian Masaba (captain)
This writer is a global broadcaster and as well scribe with Daily Monitor Newspaper and sports presenter with Radio One FM 90 in Kampala. Follow him on Twitter: @AllanDarren and his Facebook Page: Darren Allan Kyeyune