As Uganda’s Cricket Cranes prepare for the Pearl of Africa Series in Entebbe, the spotlight isn’t just on their opponents; Nigeria, UAE, Kenya, and Namibia A but on two exciting debutants: Matthew and Calvin Watuwa.
Their inclusion signals a bold move by selectors to invest in the future.
Matthew Musinguzi’s journey has been a steady climb since his appearance at the 2022 ICC U-19 World Cup in the West Indies.
With veteran spinner Henry Ssenyondo unavailable, the young left-armer finally gets his shot at the senior level, a reward for his consistency in domestic cricket and a nod to Uganda’s evolving bowling strategy.
Unlike Musinguzi, Calvin Watuwa never came through Uganda’s junior teams. The batter from Jinja earned his spot the hard way, piling up runs in local competitions and forcing the selectors’ hand.
His call-up is not just a personal milestone but proof of the growing talent emerging from Uganda’s regional cricket bases.
Leading this refreshed squad is 22-year-old Juma Miyagi, stepping in for injured captain Riazat Ali Shah.
A pace-bowling all-rounder who only made his debut in 2023, Miyagi’s rise from the streets of Naguru to national captain is as inspiring as it is rapid. Now, he faces his biggest test, guiding a youthful side in front of a home crowd.
Veterans like Dinesh Nakrani, Frank Nsubuga, and Cosmas Kyewuta will anchor the team, while Ronald Lutaya returns after nearly a year out, looking to reclaim his spot at the top of the order.
Pace bowler Innocent Mwebaze also gets a long-awaited chance to prove himself at the international level.
With the T20 World Cup Africa Qualifiers on the horizon, this series isn’t just about results, it’s a launchpad for Uganda’s next generation.
Cricket Cranes Squad
Juma Miyagi (Captain), Dinesh Nakrani, Alpesh Ramjani, Shrideep Mangela, Raghav Dhawan, Joseph Baguma, Innocent Mwebaze, Ronald Lutaya, Matthew Musinguzi, Robinson Obuya, Frank Nsubuga, Cosmas Kyewuta, Cyrus Kakuru, Calvin Watuwa
