"We'll encourage the boys to have self-belief"
Going by pre-tournament status, there is a lot to fear for Uganda at the ICC World Cricket League Division 2.
By Charles Mutebi
ICC World Cricket League Div 2
Host city:
Windhoek, Namibia
Dates: Jan 17 – 24 Uganda’s fixtures
Tomorrow v Nepal
18 Jan v Namibia
20 Jan v Kenya
21 Jan v Canada
23 Jan v Netherlands
Going by pre-tournament status, there is a lot to fear for Uganda at the ICC World Cricket League Division 2.
But for Cricket Cranes coach Peter Kirsten , the best way to respond to Uganda’s horrifying prospects is to look them right in the eye and take them head-on.
“As coach Peter has always said, we are going to play fearless, positive cricket (in Namibia),” Uganda assistant coach Michael Ndiko told New Vision.
“We are looking to encourage the boys to have self-belief, to go out and play fearless cricket.” The Cranes watched the West Indies’ four-wicket T20 victory over South Africa on Saturday, seeing first-hand the definition of fearless, positive cricket as Chris Gayle plundered 77 off 31, a day before he smashed a 63-ball 90 runs to help the Windies complete a record-runT20 chase to beat the Proteas again by four wickets.
Gayle is the poster boy for vicious cricket and the traditionally attack-minded Cranes would have certainly enjoyed his repertoire of hits, bangs and booms.
But what Kirsten would have hoped for is that beyond the enjoyment, his players were educated in watching a true master at work.
Uganda face Nepal tomorrow on the opening day of the Division 2 tournament and it’s very likely the difference could be made by one individual, taking a leaf out Gayle’s book and going on a batting rampage. Kirsten will be hoping that individual is on his side.
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