Uganda plans to reclaim ICC dev''t grant

Apr 24, 2013

THERE was awareness of the task ahead and a promise of glory as the national men’s cricket team was officially flagged off for the ICC World Cricket League

By Charles Mutebi

ICC World Cricket League Division 3

April 28

Bermuda v Uganda

THERE was awareness of the task ahead and a promise of glory as the national men’s cricket team was officially flagged off for the ICC World Cricket League Division 3 yesterday at Lugogo.

Still, there was also caution —the uncertain of a batting attack that guarantees more puzzles than winning points.

“We are totally aware of what is at stake,” said Uganda skipper Davis Karashani. 

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The players were pictured stocking groundnuts for the trip. Photo by Mpalanyi Ssentongo

ARE THE GNUTS ENOUGH?: UCA CEO Justin Ligyalingi chats with Jackson Kavuma while batsman Arthur Ziraba seems to be settling his debts with all-rounder Franco Nsubuga. Photo by Mpalanyi Ssentongo

“We have been preparing for the last 18 months and we are ready to perform. We believe the grounds in Bermuda will suit our brand of cricket.”

In other words, the preponderance of spin bowlers in Uganda’s line-up should be generally advantageous in Bermuda.

The last time Uganda played in Bermuda, in the 2009 ICC Intercontinental Shield at the Hamilton National Stadium, it was the spinners who made the most hay. 

There will also be a lot to benefit from Uganda’s identity as a team of all-rounders.

As Karashani observed: “I believe a team of all-rounders allows you to have many formations and makes you unpredictable”.

THERE IS SPACE FOR MORE: The players stash away more corn for their stay in Bermuda. Photo by Mpalanyi Ssentogo

Star batsman Roger Mukasa and coach Martin Suji were in high spirits before departing. Photo by Mpalanyi Ssentongo

The skipper was determined to look on the bright side on everything but he is aware of the major challenge in the way of Uganda’s pursuit for Division 2 qualification and the sh1b ICC development grant.

Uganda need to finish in the top two out of six to achieve that.

“A team of all-rounders has many advantages but it also means you don’t have specifics,” conceded head coach Martin Suji.

For Uganda, that unfortunately means few specialised batsmen and, as Suji put it, “a batting culture built on big shots”.

Franco Nsubuga and Richard Okia board the team bus enroute to Entebbe Airport. Photo by Mpalanyi Ssentongo

Consequently, Uganda’s batting coach Steven Tikolo promised that if the batsmen “manage to (consistently) bat out their batting overs and build partnerships, we will do well.”

Team to Bermuda: Arthur Kyobe, Jonathan Ssebanja, Henry Ssenyondo, Lawrence Ssematimba, Brian Masaba, David Karashani, Charles Waiswa, Arthur Ziraba, Richard Okia, Deus Muhumuza, Roger Mukasa, Franco Nsubuga, Ndiko Michael and Benjamin Musoke.

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