The squad that will represent Uganda at the 2014 ICC Pepsi World Cricket League -division 3 in Malaysia was last week named and set off for Malaysia Monday morning in a bid to get promoted to Division two.
Co-coach Henry Okecho warned that the team should not be put under pressure. “I think the important thing is not to put the team under pressure,” Okecho told local media at the press conference
“The players need to play in a free and positive environment because I have observed that when there is too much pressure many fail to perform”. he added.
Uganda’s 14-man squad was named last Thursday and Charles Waiswa, Sheik Choudry and Abraham Mutyagaba did not make the cut. Suleman and Naeem Bardai were included in the squad and as debutants they’ll want to prove their worth for the inclusion.
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But the book had only been judged early by its cover. Since meeting the squad for the first time on September 5 at the ICC Africa 50-Over Cup in South Africa, has only appeared as a very free and calm fatherly figure to skipper Frank Nsubuga and company.
Head coach Peter Kirsten “I have played under a lot of coaches myself and I always want the flair out the players and let them play without fear,” Kirsten told Daily Monitor in Kampala recently.
The South African coach believes his side will be promoted to the second division in Kuala Lumpur where Uganda will take part in the eight-day ICC World Cricket League (WCL) Division from October 23-29.
“The boys are mentally set and we are going to Asia with a slogan: ‘We’ll play with less fear and with controlled aggression’,” Kirsten affirmed to journalists.
On playing at the sub-continent, Kirsten believes that the training and build-up games down under will be key. “I first met them on September 5th but since then they have stuck to the training regime, they are nice and hungry and I feel that is always a good way to start off a tournament.”
“We have mainly focused on batting against spin, shot selection and foot movement for the batsmen. With every bowler sparkling and superb fielding, we want at least two run-outs per match and only need the players to apply themselves.” he concluded.
Travelling Squad:
Frank Nsubuga (Captain), Brian Masaba (Asst. captain), Davis Karashani, Hamu Kayondo, Henry Ssenyondo, Naeem Bardai, Suleman Sharif, Selowa Mukobe, Roger Mukasa, Daniel Ruyange, Arthur Kyobe, Deusdedit Muhumuza, Lawrence Ssematimba and Jonathan Ssebanja.
Officials: Andrew Meya (Team Manager), Peter Kirsten (Coach/ Technical Director), Tania Le Roux (Team Physiotherapist)
Tournament Fixtures For Uganda
Oct. 23: Nepal v Uganda (Kinrara Academy Oval)
Oct. 24: Uganda v Singapore (Kinrara Academy Oval)
Oct. 26: USA v Uganda (Selangor Turf Club)
Oct. 27: Malaysia v Uganda (Bayeumas Oval)
Oct. 29: Uganda v Bermuda (Bayeumas Oval)
Here are profiles of members of Uganda’s team that traveled to Malaysia.
