Under the bright skies of Kampala’s main cricket oval, Uganda’s national men’s team, the Cricket Cranes, are intensively training under their new head coach for their debut in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. This marks a significant milestone for Ugandan cricket, which typically plays second fiddle to football in popularity across the nation.
The upcoming tournament, jointly hosted by the United States and West Indies from June 1 to June 29, poses a challenging path for Uganda. They will face formidable opponents including New Zealand, West Indies, Afghanistan, and Papua New Guinea, with matches scheduled in Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago.
Just a month ago, the Uganda Cricket Association appointed former Indian first-class cricketer Abhay Sharma as the team’s head coach, signaling a shift towards rigorous preparations.
“Our preparation is intense; there’s no time to relax,” emphasized 32-year-old captain Brian Masaba after rain interrupted a recent training session, highlighting their commitment despite setbacks.
Masaba, recognized for his leadership with the second-highest number of wins in T20 internationals, aims not only for victories but also to elevate Uganda’s profile globally through cricket.
For Uganda, participating in this World Cup is a historic first as an independent nation, having previously been part of a combined East Africa team in the 1975 ODI World Cup. The sport’s roots in the region trace back to British colonial settlers in the late 19th century, gaining popularity among Indian laborers constructing East African railways.
Twenty-one-year-old Juma Miyagi, hailing from Kampala’s Naguru slum, views this opportunity as a stepping stone for his international cricket aspirations and a chance to inspire others from similar backgrounds to pursue the sport.
“I hope qualifying for the World Cup opens doors for me to play in top leagues and support my family,” Miyagi expressed, reflecting on his journey from tennis to cricket and his ambitions.
Frank Nsubuga, a veteran all-rounder at 43, echoes the sentiment of fulfillment as he prepares to realize his dream of representing Uganda on the global stage after decades in the sport.
Coach Sharma, drawing from extensive experience with various Indian cricket teams, focuses on enhancing the team’s skills and mindset step by step, cautious yet optimistic about the Cranes’ prospects.
As Uganda’s national bird inspires their nickname, the Cricket Cranes, the team remains poised for their maiden World Cup appearance amidst high expectations and growing support from fans.
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