Kampala - September 8, 2025. For the last 12 days, Uganda’s senior men’s national cricket team – the Cricket Cranes – have been tucked away from the Kampala buzz, conducting an exciting but intensive residential training bootcamp in Jinja as part of their build-up to the ICC T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final later this month in Harare, Zimbabwe.
The squad of 17 - an immensely talented mix of local and overseas-based players was under the tutelage eye of head coach Abhay Sharma and his assistant Jackson Ogwang. The camp featured specialized training sessions at:
- Jinja Senior Secondary School Oval – Skill Development and Match Simulations
- Hared Fitness Health Gym – Strength and Conditioning
- Paradise Hotel – Swimming, Recovery Ice Baths, and Cool-Down Sessions
- Jinja Backpackers – Team Bonding, Games, and Residence Activities
The backroom staff, led by Team Manager Charles Waiswa, Strength & Conditioning Coach Emmanuella Oroma, Physiotherapist Japheth Ndawula Juuko, and Convener of Selectors Nehal Bibodi, played key roles in ensuring a holistic camp. Notably, Juuko’s tireless physio work kept the camp injury-free, a huge boost heading into a busy schedule.
The players engaged in five high-intensity practice games, with notable shows from skipper Riazat Ali Shah, left-arm spinner Henry Ssenyondo, and newcomers Gaurav Tomer and Sumeet Verma.
Voices from Camp
- Head Coach Abhay Sharma:
“This camp was about hard work and bonding. Everyone trained, ate, and lived together, which created a strong team culture. We split sessions between batting, bowling, gym, and recovery to balance skills with fitness. The boys pushed themselves hard, and I am confident they can handle the upcoming pressures of Associate cricket going forward.”
- Convener of Selectors Nehal Bibodi:
“I’ve been with the team for some time in Jinja. Final selection will be done after the South Africa Tour, but we are focusing on team composition now. The warm-up matches in South Africa are crucial because they will prepare us for strong teams we will meet in Zimbabwe.”
- Captain Riazat Ali Shah:
“The camp gave us focus and togetherness. Zimbabwe will be tough, with Namibia, Kenya, and others, but our tour of South Africa will test us against quality sides like the Titans and Lions. It’s the perfect preparation.”
- Assistant Coach Jackson Ogwang:
“We wanted this camp to be intense but also enjoyable. Our focus also included clear conversations on game awareness, one-on-one skills, combinations, and fitness. The players responded brilliantly.”
Next Steps Before Departure
- Today - September 8: Rest day for all players and support staff
- Tomorrow - September 9: Overseas-based players resume gym and skill work at Fitness Junction and Kinetic Sports Arena, Mawanda Road (local players optional)
- September 10: Open Media Session in Entebbe, including a trial match and team interactions with the press
South Africa Tour Programme
- September 12: Team arrival in South Africa
- September 13: Morning training session
- September 14: Match vs. Titans (Morning)
- September 15: Match vs. Lions (Afternoon)
- September 16: Rest day
- September 17: Match vs. Titans (Morning)
- September 18: Departure for Harare, Zimbabwe
#LycaConnectsCricket
