Uganda Cricket Cranes coaches Steven Tikolo and Jackson Ogwanga, alongside Head of Pathways & High Performance Richard Okia, have expressed strong confidence in the 14-man squad selected for the ICC Men’s T20 Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C in Abuja, Nigeria.
The Cricket Cranes are aiming to navigate the group stage in Abuja to secure passage to the high-stakes Africa Regional Final.
Our focus is to build on the work the players have put in during the trials and tours, maintain consistency in our performances, and continue growing as a unit,” assistant coach Jackson Ogwanga told Cricket Uganda Media. “We respect every opponent, but we must concentrate on executing our plans, match by match, and give ourselves the best opportunity to qualify.
Selection Strategy for the Cricket Cranes
Richard Okia highlighted that squad selection rewarded consistent form in recent domestic trial matches and international tours across Windhoek, Mumbai, Dares Salaam, and Kigali. The goal was to preserve team chemistry while finalizing tactical combinations ahead of the tournament.
Uganda enters the tournament as the highest-ranked nation on the ICC T20I Team Rankings at 21st globally. Host nation Nigeria sits at 40th, followed by Zambia (62nd), Mozambique (81st), Lesotho (89th), and The Gambia. Uganda must finish in the top two positions to advance to the Africa Regional Final.
“We go as the highest-ranked team and we hope to play like the highest-ranked team, and hopefully we shall qualify for the Regional Final” Okia added.
Cricket Cranes Squad Adjustments and Fixtures
Riazat Ali Shah continues his leadership role as captain, supported by Kenneth Waiswa as vice-captain. The squad sees the return of Pius Oloka for the first time since July 2023. However, key all-rounder Dinesh Nakrani and fast bowler Cosmas Kyewuta remain sidelined through injury rehabilitation, while spinner Matthew Musinguzi is unavailable due to academic commitments.
Fans following national team developments on Daily Sports Africa can track Uganda’s complete match schedule below, regulated under the official oversight of the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Selected 14-Man Roster:
- Captains: Riazat Ali Shah (Captain), Kenneth Waiswa (Vice-Captain)
- Batter/All-Rounders: Robinson Obuya, Raghav Dhawan, Gerald Olipa, Sumeet Verma, Alpesh Ramjani, Pius Oloka, Anas Baig Mirza
- Wicketkeepers: Charles Musemeza, Cyrus Kakuru
- Bowlers: Juma Miyaji, Joseph Baguma, Enock Kasaija
Tournament Fixtures (NCF Ovals, Abuja):
Tournament Fixtures (NCF Ovals, Abuja):
- Tuesday, Oct 20 (11:30 AM): Uganda vs. Zambia (Oval 1)
- Wednesday, Oct 21 (11:30 AM): Lesotho vs. Uganda (Oval 2)
- Friday, Oct 23 (3:50 PM): The Gambia vs. Uganda (Oval 2)
- Saturday, Oct 24 (11:30 AM): Uganda vs. Mozambique (Oval 2)
- Sunday, Oct 25 (3:50 PM): Nigeria vs. Uganda (Oval 1)