By Charles Mutebi

ICC Africa Division 1

T20 Qualifier

Feb 23 in Uganda

Teams

Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, Botswana and Tanzania

A top-two finish in a relatively easy tournament is all Uganda need from the Pepsi ICC Africa Division 1 Twenty20 Qualifier, starting Feb 28.

Add the fact that it will be held in Kampala and any qualms about Uganda’s chances of success are hard to sustain. Martin Suji’s team are chasing a return to the ICC World T20 Qualifier and they simply have to win or finish second in a five-team event that also includes Kenya, Botswana, Nigeria and Tanzania.

Of the five, only Kenya and Uganda were at the 2012 ICC World T20 Qualifier, which makes them favourites to claim the two tickets to the global Qualifier. Kenya will fancy their chances of topping the lot but Uganda, playing in very familiar conditions and with home support, will favour their own prospects of success.

However, Uganda coach Suji is not in the mood to talk up Uganda’s chances.

“We have to treat this tournament like any other,” he warned. “We can’t take any team for granted. If you don’t prepare and you don’t do your job, don’t expect to have it easy. For us we have to respect every team. We have to go out there and do what we do best.”