Uganda optimistic ahead of qualifier

Jan 01, 2014

UGANDA pooled in Group B opens their test against Netherlands at the Mount Maunganui Bay Oval on January 16 before facing Papua New Guinea

By Johnson Were

THE national cricket team starts their ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2014 (CWCQ), in New Zealand from January 13 to February 1, 2014 determined to storm the final stage by finishing in the top two of their group of the 10 nation showdown.

Uganda pooled in Group B opens their test against Netherlands at the Mount Maunganui Bay Oval on January 16 before facing Papua New Guinea, Kenya and finish their group stage fixtures against Namibia at the same venue.

Frank Nsubuga the team vice-captain voiced his optimism at the team flag off by the National Council of Sports (NCS) General Secretary Jasper Aligawesa on Wednesday morning at Lugogo.

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Team captain Davis Arinaitwe was in good spirits before departure. Photo by Mpalanyi Ssentongo

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Team coach Johan Rudolph prepares to depart as his wife looks on. Photo by Mpalanyi Ssentongo

"We are determined and the boys are set. We have worked on our fitness and batting which were the major problems in our last outing," Nsubuga stated.

Nsubuga further added that the return of bowler and lower order batsman Deus Muhumuza, wicket keeper batsman Lawrence Ssematimba and then middle order batsman Benjamin Musoke is a big boost to the team's performance.

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PATRIOT: Franco Nsubuga draped in the national flag.

"The return of Musoke who is much experienced has strengthened our middle order which is an added advantage to the team considering the other experienced players," Nsubuga stressed.

NCS secretary Jasper Aligawesa urged the team to front their interest first while playing in New Zealand if they are to attain victory.

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Patrick Ochan packed and ready for the journey to New Zealand. Photo by Mpalanyi Ssentongo

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Rudolph and Lawrence Ssematimba hop onto the bus to Entebbe Airport. Photo by Mpalanyi Ssentongo

"Remember when you win it means you and Uganda cricket will get richer but Uganda just gets the glory and pride, so go and play without tension but focused on that wealth to give the remaining 34million people here pride, "Aligawesa stated.

The team: Davis Arinaitwe Karashani (cpt), Roger Mukasa, Benjamin Musoke, Frank Nsubuga, Lawrence Ssematimba, Charles Waiswa, Brian Masaba, Deus Muhumuza, Roger Mukasa, Philemon Selowa Mukobe, Abram Ndhlovu Mutyagaba, Patrick Ochan, Farouk Ochimi, Richard Gideon Okia, Raymond Otim, Almuzahim Hamza Saleh.

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