Cricket Cranes vice-captain Juma Miyaji has linked up with the Cricket Cranes squad in Windhoek after helping ATG WHS Old Boys secure the Namibia National 50-Over League title.
The 22-year-old all-rounder joins the national team on the back of a productive semi-professional stint in Namibia, where he played a key role in his club’s title triumph.
ATG WHS Old Boys sealed the championship on March 15 with a 33-run win over Wanderers, posting 307 for 7 before restricting their opponents to 274 for 9.
Miyaji contributed throughout the campaign, finishing with 11 wickets in five matches at an economy rate of 3.34, alongside four catches.
His best bowling figures of 3 for 22 underlined his consistency, while in the final he returned 1 for 35 in 10 overs and claimed the key wicket of Riaan Minni.
The opportunity to play in Namibia came through national team captain Gerhard Erasmus, who connected Miyaji to the club. The Ugandan credits that experience for sharpening his game ahead of the international season.
“I really had a great time in Namibia and playing under the Namibian skipper Erasmus who pushed me so hard in every single game I played helped me so much in terms of playing longer games like the ODIs, staying focused every time till the last over,” Miyaji said.
“And my first time playing in this league, putting up a great performance that led us to victory was the best feeling for me.”
He added that the stint improved his discipline with the ball.
“When I talk about my bowling, I would say I improved a lot in terms of my lines and also keeping up that momentum when you’re on top matters more.”
Miyaji also pointed to the playing conditions in Namibia as a factor in his development.
“The wickets in Namibia have been really good to bowl on because they offer good bounce. It’s something I’ve enjoyed and I hope to bring those positive vibes and confidence into the Uganda setup.”
Uganda are in Namibia for a 10-day build-up tour that marks the start of their 2026 international season. The Cricket Cranes will play two T20 matches and three 50-over games against Namibia and Namibia A at the High Performance Oval and FNB Namibia Cricket Ground.
The squad includes potential debutants Anas Mirza Baig, Gerald Olipa and Charles Musemeza, while Simon Ssesazi, Kenneth Waiswa, Bilal Hassun and Mathew Musinguzi return after missing last year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Finals.
The series also marks the first assignment for new head coach Steve Tikolo, who recently signed a three-year deal with Cricket Uganda.
He described his return as a homecoming and will lead preparations for a busy year that includes the ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League B in August and the 2028 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifiers in October.
