We are ready to obsorb the ranking pressure, Oloka on flagoff to Abuja for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifiers.
Uganda Cricket Cranes confidence seems to be in the right mode with every member of the squad is right at it, Pius Oloka who returns for the national team over three years was also speaking energytically ahead of the trip to Abuja Nigeria for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifiers sub Regional Qualifiers.
In the interview with the press at the Flagoff event held at National Council of Sports, Oloka notted,”We are gong to this qualifiers as the best team, yes it carries some pressure but it is not much we are ready to obsorb it because we have been working in preparations knowing about it, the coaches, the board have steadily prepared us for the big moment.”
The flagoff event was conducted by Milton Chebet on behalf of the National Council of Sports and the government.
Uganda will take on 5 teams in the Sub Regional Qualifiers starting with Zambia October 20 against, taking on Lesetho on October 21,The Gambia on October 23 after a resting day, playing Mozambique on October 24 and host Nigeria on October 25.
Amidst being the best ranking in the qualifiers, Uganda carries a task to finish among the top two teams of the qualifiers to extend their World Cup dream to Africa Regional Qualifiers chessing their dream for 2028 World Cup.
Head coach Steven Tikolo am also expressed extended confidence in the selected squad saying,”We feel these are the best 14 players to go for this job in Abuja, we have good combinations to deliver while providing opportunities for the emerging talents through International competitions.”
We are not only going their to qualify but also we are going their to win the this tournament, we have spoken about it as a team and everybody understands our goal.” He added.
The mixed experienced and emerging talents travelling squad is under the Capitancy of Raizat Ali Shah and assisted by Kenneth Waiswa, Captain Ali Shah commented, we are excited to see the young players grow in tournaments like this, as a team we are determined to qualify for the 2028 edition though we missed the 2026.”
the traveling squad
Riazat Ali Shah (Captain)
Kenneth Waiswa (Vice Captain) Cyrus Kakuru, Charles Musemeze (Wicket Keepers) Robinson Obuya, Raghav Dhawan, Gerald Olipa, Sumeet Verma, Alpesh Ramjani, Pius Oloka, Anas Baig Mirza, Juma Miyagi, Joseph Baguma and Enock Kasija.
Fixture.
October 20
Uganda vs Zambia – 11:30am
October 21
Lesetho vs Uganda -11:30am
October 23
Gambia vs Uganda -3:50pm
October 24
Uganda vs Mazombique -11:30am
October 25
Nigeria vs Uganda -3:50pm