New coach Laurence Mahatlane is quickly cementing his grip around the senior men’s national cricket team after it resumed intense training sessions a week ago.
The South African gaffer is working to prepare the side ahead of a busy schedule for the Cricket Cranes, which includes five tournaments before the country hosts the third round of the ICC World Cup Challenge League B next January.
With the national cricket league not about to bowl off, Mahatlane has introduced two T20 and two 50-over matches in the team’s weekly training programs.
With some senior players engaged with work commitments, former U19 South Africa coach Mahatlane has opened the doors for many youngsters, most of whom have been on the fringes of the senior team.
“For me, everyone is invited,” Mahatlane told the local media recently. “I have been impressed most by the boys’ natural ability. Different players have stood up at different times. I think the boys are starting to understand their own games better and we still need to find consistency. That’s the plan.”
Back home in his Rainbow Nation, Mahatlane had nurtured names that have since moved from the U19 national side to the Proteas more notably Kagiso Rabada.
CRICKET CRANES SCHEDULE
February 2021: Tanzania Tri-Series - Uganda Opt Out Due To Lack Covid-19 SOPs in Tanzania
March-April 2021: Namibia Invitational Tournament in Windhoek
April 2021: Africa T20 Cup Regional Qualifier Tournament in Stellenbosch, South Africa
July 2021: Takashinga Visit (Zimbabwe)
September 2021: ICC World Cup Challenge League B in Jersey
November 2021: Africa T20 Cup Finals Tournament in Nigeria
January-February 2022: ICC World Cup Challenge League B in Uganda
YOUNGSTERS IN TRAINING SET-UP
Cosmas Kyewuta, David Wabwire, Emmanuel Hasahya, Jonathan Kizza, Perry Wazombe, Simon Ssesaazi, Siraje Nsubuga, Steven Wabwose, Robinson Obuya, Calvin Watuwa, Gerald Mubiru, Trevor Bukenya, Fred Achelam, Kenneth Waiswa, Riazat Ali Shah, Zephaniah Arinaitwe, Frank Akankwasa, Juma Miyagi, Rogers Olipa, Derrick Bakunzi, Collins Okwalinga, Ronald Opio.
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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