Cricketers relaxed ahead of Malaysia trip

By Charles Mutebi

UGANDA’S record in ICC tournaments in recent years has offered little to write home about. So just what story is Frank Nsubuga and Co. preparing to author in their Malaysia chapter, subtitled ICC World Cricket League Division 3 2014?

“I think the important thing is not to put the team under pressure,” warned Co-coach Henry Okecho, who is strangely not flying out with the team today.

“The players need to play in a free and positive environment because I have observed that when there is too much pressure many fail to perform”.

Uganda’s 14-man squad for the six-team tournament was confirmed by the ICC on Thursday and the only unknown came in the form of debutants Suleman and Naeem Bardai. 

The rest of the line-up included familiar faces, which on one hand speaks of continuity but on the other means the continuation of the same old same old.

Team boss Peter Kirsten has not hidden his reservations about the side, publically declaring he would have loved to call on Charles Waiswa, Abraham Mutyagaba and Sheik Choudry.

Okecho explained: “Waiswa and Mutyagaba would have definitely made the team stronger but it’s different with Choudry because he has never played for us.

Even then, it was this same squad that impressed during last month’s ACA Cup and Africa Sixes Challenge and Okecho believes the potential is there for them to secure a top two finish in Malaysia.

“Again, the key in South Africa was an environment that was very positive and free of pressure,” revealed. 

“If we can create it in Malaysia, I am quietly confident the team can do well.”

Squad

F Nsubuga (captain), B Masaba, R Mukasa, A Kyobe, D Karashani, H Senyondo, L Sematimba, D Ruyange, J Sebanja, D Muhumuza, P Mukobe, H Kayondo, N Bardai & Suleman

Coaches: P Kirsten, M Ndiko