When Uganda Cricket secured Namibian legend Craig Williams as an elite consultant in late 2023, few could have predicted the twist of fate that would follow just months later.
Brought in to bolster the Cricket Cranes’ technical setup, Williams’ influence quickly became apparent during Uganda’s historic 2024 ICC T20 World Cup qualification campaign.
But now, the man who helped shape that dream from behind the scenes has returned home, this time as Head Coach of Namibia’s Men’s National Team.
It’s a homecoming steeped in national pride and vision. Williams, a revered batter with over 14,000 runs and more than 400 appearances for Namibia, has been appointed Head Coach of the FNB Eagles.
Cricket Namibia hails this as the dawn of a new era, banking on his tactical acumen and lifelong devotion to Namibian cricket to guide the team through the next ODI cycle, including the 2027 World Cup on home soil.
For Uganda, however, the moment comes with a lingering question: did they let go of a coaching gem too soon?
Williams’ stint with the Cricket Cranes began in November 2023, initially as a short-term consultancy role following the departure of South African coach Lawrence Mahatlane, now at the helm in Rwanda.
With interim coach Jackson Ogwang holding the reins, Uganda gambled and stabilized with many pointing at Mahtlane’s print and a few tweaks by Ogwang who was initially his assistant then.
The eventual appointment of former India U19 player Abby Sharma proved inspired, as Uganda had already stormed into their first-ever T20 World Cup. Yet Williams remained a key figure behind the scenes, aiding preparations for both legs of the Cricket World Cup League B and the T20WC campaign.
While Sharma and the players earned the headlines, those within the dressing room recognized the quiet influence of Williams his calm demeanour, tactical clarity and experience subtly shaping Uganda’s rise.
Now, Uganda must watch from afar as Namibia embarks on an ambitious journey led by one of their own.
Cricket Namibia CEO Johan Muller praised Williams as a man of the soil with world-class expertise and a deep understanding of our culture.”
From developing youth at his private academy to mentoring internationals, Williams’ coaching credentials are as compelling as his playing record.
His appointment follows the departure of Pierre de Bruyn, under whom Namibia scaled historic heights, including three T20 World Cup appearances and victories over full member nations.
Filling those shoes is no small task, but in Williams, Namibia sees a natural successor.
