Road to Oman: CSA Afro T20 cup comes handy for Cricket Cranes

CSA Africa T20 Cup

14-24 September

Uganda's Fixtures

September 14

Uganda v Kwazulu-Natal Coastal

Uganda v Kwazulu-Natal Inland

September 15

Uganda v Easterns

September 16

Uganda v Western Province

Final round

23-24 September

The CSA Africa T20 Cup means so much for the travelling Cricket Cranes.

In a manner of fate, they replaced Ghana who had withdrawn from the now expanded T20 showpiece that will have twelve South African sides, three Associate Members and five ICC Africa teams.

Importantly it won't just be about the mere exposure but a major preparation for the highly billed ICC World Cricket League Division Three tournament November in Oman.

Uganda's journey from recovery has so far been well documented following the ruins in the similar tournament that Uganda hosted last year and ended up being relegated to the fourth division.

Roger Mukasa and Co played quite exceptionally in the fourth division that was hosted in Malaysia to qualify back to division three. The mission at hand now is to excel in division three and qualify for division two.

"We are enjoying the process, taking all the necessary steps forward. This invitational in South Africa will give the boys an opportunity to test their abilities with some of the best players on the continent" said Jackson Ogwang the assistant coach.

 Part of the Cricket Cranes squad heading to Pietermartzburg, South Africa. PHOTO: Mpalanyi Ssentongo

The Ugandan contigent was flagged off by the National Council of Sports (NCS) Wednesday at lugogo.

Conversely the visitors who are as well debutants will hope to make their presence felt in South Africa with international honors at stake.

"This is a huge platform for us and we intend to prove ourselves there. We are going for nothing but success at the contest" Roger Mukasa, the skipper said.

Meanwhile a prolonged stay in South Africa after the main T20 Cup will see Uganda play at least three 50 overs warm ups keeping in mind the Oman job.

Kenya, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, and Namibia will also feature in the South African tournament that will also serve as a preseason contest for the South African local league.

Team: Roger Mukasa (captain) Brian Masaba (ass captain) Hamu Kayondo, Dinesh Nakrani, Deus Muhumuza, Riazat Shah, Henry Ssenyondo, Frank Nsubuga, Kenneth Waiswa, Fred Achelam, Charles Waiswa, Bilal Hassun, Zephania Arinaitwe

Reserves for 50-over Build up matches: Simon Ssesazi, Irfan Afridi, Emmanuel Isaneez

Officials: Steven Tikolo  (coach) Jackson Ogwang (ass coach) Jack Kavuma (Team Manager)

EMAIL: kbalikuddembe@newvisio n.co.ug

TWITTER: @casozi14