MCC pledges 'pro' offer for cricketers

By Norman Katende

THE challenge Uganda cricketers put up against visiting London based cricket team, Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) could earn them opportunities in a more competitive league in the United Kingdom.

Head of delegation for the MCC tour David Otway did not mince words at a dinner hosted in the team’s honour by the British High Commissioner to Uganda Allyson Blackburne.

Otway noted that Uganda has promising players that would develop even further if they had opportunities of playing at a higher level in the United Kingdom.

After watching Uganda draw a 2-day game against a superior MCC side before sharing spoils in both the T-20 and 50-over games, Otway pointed that: “It was good competition and we would like to thank national coach Johan Rudolf for the work he has done to improve the competitiveness of the Ugandan team. I would like to promise that we will try to fi x some of the players with England clubs so that they can play in a more competitive league.”

Uganda Cricket Association (UCA) chairman Richard Mwami was excited about the offer.

“But we also need as many friendlies as possible so when you go back to London, please try to get us these friendly games,” said Mwami at a function that was also attended by UCA trustee John Nagenda and the women team captain Naome Kayondo.

Meanwhile, UCA has announced a squad for the forthcoming International Cricket Council World T20 Qualifi ers in UAE from November 15th-30th. David Karashani is captain.

Squad to Dubai: Davis Karashani, Frank Nsubuga, Roger Mukasa, Arthur Kyobe, Jonathan Sebanja, Charles Waiswa, Brian Masaba, Philemon Mukobe, Abram Mutyagaba, Patrick Ochan, Henry Senyondo, Raymond Otim, Richard Okia, Almuzahim Hamza Saleh, Hamu Bagenda Kayondo.