History was rewritten on Thursday when Uganda beat Rwanda by 9 wickets to seal their spot at the World Cup for the very first time.
Playing at the World Cup is not an every day thing for Ugandan teams. Before Thursday, only four Ugandan senior national teams – She Cranes, Rugby Lady Cranes, the Rugby Cranes 7s and the Uganda Doves (Ludo national team) – had achieved this feat.
The Cricket Cranes etched their names in the history books and are now part of the selected few that will feature at the World Cup, but to who do Ugandans owe the credit?
In 2020, Uganda Cricket Association appointed Laurence Mahatlane as their new head coach.
Part of the South African’s objectives was to earn Uganda the ODI status, but not only was Mahatlane not able to witness his objectives realised, he was let go before finishing what he’d started- qualifying the team for the World Cup.
Nonetheless, he deserves as much laud as those who took the team over the line. Mahatlane prides himself in working with young blood.
Comptitiveness and Mental Strength
During his time in charge, the 46-year-old gave debuts to over 15 players including Alpesh Ramjani who finished as the joint top wicket taker at the Qualifiers in Namibia.
Juma Miyaji, Joseph Baguma, Pascal Murungi, Robinson Obuya, Cyrus Kakuru, Siraje Nsubuga, David Wabwire are some of the youngsters Mahatlane recruited into the national team.
The availability of numerous players at his disposal meant stiff competition which in turn improved the quality of the team.
The South African was known for his knack for fitness. To keep his players fully fit and game ready, Mahatlane ensured weekly trials and designated days for various forms of training including strength and conditioning.
It was during his era that UCA sought after the services of a psychologist. Mahatlane knew better than anyone that a bigger percentage of a game is won mentally hence his recommendation to have UCA hire a psychologist.
The perfect build-up, before the climax
While Uganda came short in the Challenge League B in Jersey last year, the Cricket Cranes have been almost invincible in tournaments across the region.
Uganda won every trophy they took part in during Mahatlane’s reign including the Africa Cup in South Africa last year.
With the kind of successes they achieved, it was only natural that the players’ confidence grew each passing day.
All this contributed to the ultimate success that the boys achieved in Namibia, and it is thanks to that man, Uganda are World Cup bound.
This achievement has the South African written all over it. He may no longer be the head coach, but he will forever be remembered for masterminding a World Cup qualification for the Cricket Cranes.
Courtesy Photos
