‘Uganda long overdue for grass wickets’
Oct 29, 2003
STEVEN Luswata, the UCA grounds committee chairman has said that Uganda was long overdue to install grass wickets at all playing grounds following the tremendous achievements of the local cricket association.
By Ronnie Kintu
STEVEN Luswata, the UCA grounds committee chairman has said that Uganda was long overdue to install grass wickets at all playing grounds following the tremendous achievements of the local cricket association.
Uganda recently qualified to play at the U-19 World Cup in Bangladesh, February next year.
“We are long overdue to have the grass wickets. There has been a belief that these wickets are special and can only be found in special countries but modern technology has revealed that it is very easy and economical to install them even locally,†Luswata said.
The Uganda Cricket Association has started on a swift operation to install grass-playing wickets at Lugogo, Entebbe, Jinja and Kyambogo main playing grounds.
Thys Castens, an official from South Africa arrived in the country last Sunday, to study the local conditions and then advise on the requirements and procedures of installing grass wickets. He departs tomorrow.
Luswata, also vice chairman of UCA, explained that Uganda is endowed with good weather and environment conducive for the grass wickets.
“Our environment is conducive for the grass wickets which many fear because of the maintenance costs,†he said.
Uganda started playing cricket on mats/carpets before installing turf and cement wickets that have been used for the last five years.
A grass wicket is a combination of special grass and clay that requires constant mowing and rolling.
Luswata said that installation of a grass wicket takes two weeks and then grass is given over two months to grow before play starts.
“One of the requirements to host and even participate in highly rated international championships is having grass wickets and I believe we are on the right track,†he added.
Uganda will participate in the three-day intercontinental championships that will involve playing home and away matches on grass against Namibia and Kenya.
Meanwhile, old students from Kings College Budo are plotting to install the same wicket at the school as a move to boost up the game among students.
STEVEN Luswata, the UCA grounds committee chairman has said that Uganda was long overdue to install grass wickets at all playing grounds following the tremendous achievements of the local cricket association.
Uganda recently qualified to play at the U-19 World Cup in Bangladesh, February next year.
“We are long overdue to have the grass wickets. There has been a belief that these wickets are special and can only be found in special countries but modern technology has revealed that it is very easy and economical to install them even locally,†Luswata said.
The Uganda Cricket Association has started on a swift operation to install grass-playing wickets at Lugogo, Entebbe, Jinja and Kyambogo main playing grounds.
Thys Castens, an official from South Africa arrived in the country last Sunday, to study the local conditions and then advise on the requirements and procedures of installing grass wickets. He departs tomorrow.
Luswata, also vice chairman of UCA, explained that Uganda is endowed with good weather and environment conducive for the grass wickets.
“Our environment is conducive for the grass wickets which many fear because of the maintenance costs,†he said.
Uganda started playing cricket on mats/carpets before installing turf and cement wickets that have been used for the last five years.
A grass wicket is a combination of special grass and clay that requires constant mowing and rolling.
Luswata said that installation of a grass wicket takes two weeks and then grass is given over two months to grow before play starts.
“One of the requirements to host and even participate in highly rated international championships is having grass wickets and I believe we are on the right track,†he added.
Uganda will participate in the three-day intercontinental championships that will involve playing home and away matches on grass against Namibia and Kenya.
Meanwhile, old students from Kings College Budo are plotting to install the same wicket at the school as a move to boost up the game among students.