By Innocent Ndawula
There have been growing moans from the fraternity to grant the youngsters more international exposure and opportunities. But trust the Uganda Cricket Association (UCA) Selectors’ Committee to serve their critics the dish they desire.
The selectors’ last act has surely been a masterstroke hit of those growing moans out of the park decisively as Team Uganda heads out for its second ever Tour To Sanjay Cricket Farm.
The Benjamin Musoke-led committee has named seven youngsters in a 15-man squad that will endure a 12-day boot-camp in Chikhil-based farm in Surat, South Gujarat until February 24.
Pace-man Trevor Bukenya, top order batsman Ronald Opio, bowling all-rounder Juma Miyagi, opening batsman John Gabula, wicketkeeper Ashraf Ssenkubuge, all-rounder Collins Okwalinga and batting all-rounder Simon Oketcho are in the side that flies out this morning (February 13) aboard Ethiopian Airlines to Mumbai via Addis Ababa. They could have been eight U-19s in the side but unfortunately the exciting Perry Wazombe misses out as his passport couldn’t be processed in time for this voyage.
Their inclusion in the squad is part of their preparations for the International Cricket Council Under-19 World Cup Qualifier in Windhoek, Namibia next month – hence this tour is bound to give them exposure and experience at a much higher level than their age bracket, which augurs well for the growth of their talent and game.
Already their teammates, Zephaniah Arinaitwe and Frank Akankwasa wrap up a month’s stay, on February 20, in Potchefstroom, North West Province - South Africa at the ICC High Performance Camp where they’ve been honing their skills.
Future of Uganda Cricket
On the squad to India are also five players who coach Steve Tikolo has branded as ‘the future of Uganda Cricket’ in batsman/wicketkeeper Arnold Otwani, free-hitting keeper/batsman Fred Achelam, all-rounder Rogers Olipa, bowling all-rounder Derrick Bakunzi and opening batsman Simon Ssesazi.
“These are players who have recently either made the senior team or are on the brink of their senior debuts. A trip such as this one will give them good exposure and experience as they look to sharpen their game/skills to become better cricketers,” Tikolo said of the five emerging stars.
The schedule of games will be known on arrival in Chikhil but what is confirmed is that a bumper schedule awaits the Ugandans who will be captained by Brian Masaba. Two more senior players; Deus Muhumuza and Emmanuel Isaneez have been drafted into the side to give guidance to the youngsters.
“These three guys have been around (in the national team) for a while now and their experience is an asset that can be used to nurture the younger guys,” Tikolo said of the trio.
Uganda Cricket CEO Martin Ondeko highlighted that the tour was also an act of cementing UCA’s relationship with Sanjay Farm’s Swetal Desai.
“He (Swetal) has been good to us and this is an opportunity to market Uganda Cricket in India. Both our U-19s and U-23s will get quality exposure,” remarked Ondeko.
Six staying back in India
But that’s not about it for the Tour to India. Swetal Desai, Team Uganda’s host in India, has also extended his noble hand further by granting six U-19 players an additional 15-day stay at his Shiv Venetian Complex.
The sextet including; Ssenkubuge, Olipa, Gabula, Bukenya, Oketcho and Opio, will undergo special and intense training under the tutelage of international coaches; Sachin S. Jagtap, Akash Desai, Tushar Arothe and Apurva Desai.
“This an indicator that we are preparing the youngsters for their transition to the national side. It is going to be a tough tour designed to also build character and to teach the young lads that cricket isn't always about five-star hotels,” chipped in UCA Operations Manager Alvin Bagaya.
With the way the tour is aligned, by the time the sextet return home on March 12, they will not have time off as they are scheduled to be in the next departure lounge on their way to Windhoek of the ICC Africa U-19 World Cup Qualifier.
TEAM UGANDA FOR TOUR TO SANJAY FARM INDIA:
Emmanuel Isaneez, Ronald Opio, John Gabula, Trevor Bukenya, Collins Okwalinga, Juma Miyagi, Ashraf Ssenkubuge, Simon Oketcho, Arnold Otwani, Brian Masaba (captain), Deus Muhumuza, Fred Achelam, Simon Ssesazi, Derrick Bakunzi, Rogers Olipa.
OFFICIALS
Coach: Steve Tikolo Ogonji. Assistant Coach: Jackson Ogwang Oyuku
Team Manager & Head of Delegation: Jackson Kavuma.