Debut Lies In Wait: Gerald Mubiru (L) is poised to make his debut during the ongoing Pearl of Africa T20 Tri-Series at Entebbe Oval.
BY INNOCENT NDAWULA
All-rounder Deusdedit Muhumuza has been appointed as captain for the rest of the Pearl of Africa Twenty20 Tri-Series tourney that is currently being hosted at Entebbe Oval.
Muhumuza takes over from the official team skipper Brian Mark Masaba for the team that is currently in a Bio-Bubble Security camp at Santa Maria Hotel & Apartments in Entebbe.
The T20 Tri-Series featuring Uganda, Kenya and Nigeria run until September 17 and Masaba who strained his hamstring during Uganda’s 56-run victory over Nigeria on Saturday (September 11). The extent of the injury and the time Masaba will spend on the side-lines will be determined after scan results return. He will stay in camp and continue to be assessed by the Team Physiotherapist Imam Tugume.
Unfortunate incident
"It is unfortunate Brian Masaba strained his hamstring right at the end of the Nigeria game," said disclosed Laurence Mahatlane. "Muhumuza takes over and the young spinner Gerald Mubiru who was in the original 20-man squad replaces Masaba's in the side. Brian is a big loss for us not only for his captaincy but also for his batting ability. I think he has our second highest batting average and one of the best bowling economy rates. His all-round leadership and fielding will be missed but we are hoping to get him fit and ready for the next engagements as soon as possible. We need him available for Rwanda."
Forced Change: Muhumuza (88) takes over as Cricket Cranes captain for the series after Masaba (2nd R) strained his hamstring in the win over Nigeria on Saturday.
As Muhumuza gets his first taste of captaincy, the young and exciting left-arm orthodox spinner Gerald Mubiru replaces Masaba in the squad for the remainder of the series that full International Cricket Council (ICC) Twenty20 International ranking status and no game can be taken lightly.
Youngster's chance
"What has happened to Masaba is not good," said Muhumuza. "But as the vice captain, I have to step up and lead the team. Firstly I want to wish Masaba a quick recovery. But I am also excited for the youngster Gerald Mubiru who is coming into the side.
"Captaining Uganda is a bit exciting because as a team we have already set our values, vision and mission. We exactly know where we want to be and how to achieve it. We have set game KPIs and this kind of eases the job for whoever is appointed to take up such roles. It is exciting and I am looking up to the challenge."
The Cricket Cranes are fine-tuning for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Sub Regional Africa Qualifiers in Kigali, Rwanda from October 14th to 23rd as well as the ICC Cricket World Challenge League B scheduled at a venue and date yet to be communicated.
