Depleted Wanderers hurting

By Charles Mutebi 

UCA T20 National League (Saturday)

SKLPS v Rounders

Rounders v Premier

Wanderers v ACC

Wanderers v Patidar

Challengers v KICC

Warriors v Challengers

Tornado B v Tigers

Charity v Jinja

Charity v JACC 

AT around the same time last year, the Wanderers had assembled a team that would go on to win UCA T20 National League. 

As we speak, a young, unknown quantity stands in the place of the attractive side that won the club’s first trophy in 12 years.

On Saturday, the Wanderers face Division 2 outfits ACC and Patidar at Kyambogo in a two-game assignment in the UCA T20 National League but the outcome of those games cannot be predicted as easily as, say, a month ago when the Wanderers were among the giants in national league cricket. 

But losing two of Uganda’s best cricketers has changed that, as it would for any side. First, national skipper Davis Karashani left for Tornado B and now silky batsman Hamza Saleh is almost through the exit door for a club that he is yet to determine. 

“I will almost certainly leave the Wanderers,” said Saleh. “It is not completely decided now but you will soon know who I will play for this season”. 

Already out of contention for the major trophies following Karashani’s departure, Saleh’s exit will make the Wanderers even less of a force to reckon with. 

“Winning isn’t a priority right now,” conceded club captain Denis Musali in light of the new, daunting reality. 

“We need to get combinations rite now and also give the young guns enough (match) practice.” 

Just last year, the Wanderers won the T20 title in one of the most dramatic and emotional finishes in recent history. But  it seems the good times will not last long. Musali, Hamu Kayondo, Arthur Ziraba and Denis Tabi will provide the experience and skill for which the Wanderers can start rewriting a new chapter. 

Only the successes may come later rather than sooner.