The Uganda Cricket Association’s selectors board on Monday named the Cricket Cranes team that will be travelling to Rwanda for the inaugural East Africa Cup set to bowl off on the 13th of December in Kigali.
The squad that is composed of 14 players includes debutants Cyrus Kakuru and Ronald Lutaya. The two couldn’t shy away from expressing their delight after finally making the team.
“I’m so excited to be selected on the national team. I’m looking forward to scoring runs and winning games for my country. I thank God for this opportunity because I believe the time is now for me.” Said Kakuru who was part of the U19 team that played at the World Cup in West Indies earlier this year.
Roger Mukasa who last featured for the national team in July at the T20 Global Qualifiers in Zimbabwe returns, but Emmanuel Hashaya fails to make the cut, partly due to Mukasa’s availability.
Deus Muhumuza and wicket keeper Fred Achelam miss out due to injuries after they underwent surgeries a fortnight ago.
Riazat Ali Shah misses out too due to a tendon injury he sustained in a league game two weeks ago in Kenya.
Uganda will take on Tanzania on the opening day of the tournament at the Gahanga Cricket Stadium. It will be the first time the two teams meet since Uganda’s victory over Tanzania at the finals of the Africa Cup in South Africa, two months ago.
Meanwhile, the Victoria Pearls squad slated to take part in the Nairobi Tri-series set to bowl off on December 12th in Kenya, has also been named.
The team features 14 players but youngsters Malisa Ariokot and Lorna Anyait miss out while Proscovia Alako, Immaculate Nakisuyi, Stephanie Nampiina and Irene Alumo make their return.
