BY JUMA ALI
After making history by qualifying for the World cricket cup, the Cricket Cranes travel to South Africa for the second edition of the African cup. The annual event that was held in September last year was scheduled for December to accommodate the T20 qualifiers that just concluded in Namibia.
The tournament is played among the members of the African Cricket Association, with teams going through qualification rounds in their respective regions execept for Uganda who earned an automatic slot as defending champions.
Uganda, were crowned Champions last year after defeating Tanzania by eight wickets in a nerve racking final.
The Cricket Cranes team for this tournament has only one absentee from the side that made history in Namibia. David Wabwire, misses out as the team takes only 14 players and Brian Masaba will continue to lead the side at the tournament.
“We excited about the Africa Cup, this is another opportunity for us to continue improving our skills in this format. The qualification for the World cup is quickly forgotten and we need to make sure we focus on the task ahead. We shall continue trusting our processes to make sure we defend our title. The mark will be on us because of what we did in Namibia but that only motives us as a side to make sure we do well”, states Jackson Ogwang, the Cricket Cranes interim head coach.
The tournament will be played in Benoni Johannesburg and Uganda will have to wait to find who it’s opponents will be as the qualifiers are currently happening.
The team which travel to South Africa will include, Roger Mukasa, Simon Ssesazi, Robinson Obuya, Riazat Ali Shah,Dinesh Nakrani, Frank Nsubuga, Brian Masaba (captain), Alpesh Ramjani, Kenneth Waiswa, Ronak Patel, Kakuru Cyrus, Henry Ssenyondo, Bilal Hassun and Jonathan Ssebanja.
Officials, Jackson Ogwang (head coach), Tusiime Steve (team analyst), Shamim Nassali (physiotherapist), Malinga Marion (media attache), Charles Waiswa (team manager).
VICTORIA PEARLS READY FOR T20 WOMEN’S WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS
The Cricket ladies team, the Victoria Pearls will be looking to qualify for the Global women’s World Cup qualifiers in their own backyard as they battle seven nations. The Victoria pearls won this particular tournament in 2017 in Namibia and now seek to do the same on home soil.
The final 14 of the team includes six players who were part of the success in 2017 , Kevin Awino, Rita Musamali, Consy Aweko, Janet Mbabazi, Immaculate Nakisuyi, Stephanie Nampiina and their experience will be key in helping the squad qualify.
Consy Aweko, will be leading the side and she will be assisted by Janet Mbabazi. Youngstrs Lorna Anyait and Malisa Ariokot get a nod in the team and their exuberance of youth should add some much needed energy to the group. Proscovia Alako and Esther Iloku who just finished their senior six exams are available for selection.
Lawrence Ssematimba is the Head coach of the team and will be assisted by Lawrence Ssempijja, Tugume Imam (physiotherapist), Deus Muhumuza (team analyst), Mary Nankinga(team manager) complete the technical team.
“We have a great group of players, i would like to thank Uganda Cricket Association for being international about our preparations this year.The girls got contracts in March this year and that was in preparation for this tournament”, Lawrence, head coach states.
Uganda, is in Group B alongside Consy Aweko (captain), Janet Mbabazi , Kevin Awino, Rita Musamali, Rwanda, Nigeria . The Victoria Pearls will start their campaign against Rwanda on Sunday, 9, follow it up on Tuesday and finish their group games against Nigeria.
The final 14, Consy Aweko (captain), Janet Mbabazi, Kevin Awino, Rita Musamali, Stephanie Nampiina, Immaculate Nakisuyi, Evelyn Anyipo, Irene Alumo, Proscovia Alako, Esther Iioku, Malisa Ariokot, Lorna Anyait, Sarah Akiteng and Patricia Malemikia.
Officials, Lawrence Ssematimba (head coach), Lawrence Ssempijja (assistant coach), Imam Tugume (physiotherapist), Deus Muhumuza (team analyst), Mary Nankinga (team manager).
The fixtures:
Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifiers
Uganda vs Rwanda -10,December 2023 at 13:50 .
Uganda vs Namibia -12, December at 13:50.
Uganda vs Nigeria- 14, December at 13:50.
Semi finals will be played on 16, December and finals on 17,December and all games will be played at Entebbe cricket oval.
