Coach Martin Suji
National coach Martin Suji rewarded his impressive charges during the just concluded East Africa Premier League by saving them from the axe when the provisional team for the World Twenty20 Qualifier was reduced from 30 to 18 players yesterday.
The 16-team Associate and Affiliate event will witness the emerging nations battle to qualify for two available slots for the 2012 World Cup from March 13-24 in the United Arab Emirates.
Rejuvenated Jonathan Ssebanja, Asadu Seiga and 16-year-old Faruk Ochimi have one foot on the Airbus to the UAE. Others are all-rounders Daniel Ruyange, Raymond Otim and Arnold Otwani, who must continue the hard work, to make sure they are on the final 14-man squad.
The ICC World Twenty20 proper will take place later this year from September 18 to October 7 in Sri Lanka.
“Everyone has been working hard and I think the selected guys offer good balance,” said skipper Davis Arinaitwe Karashani after yesterday’s training session.
Unfortunately, there is no space on the squad for 29-year-old Ivan Thawithemwira and 15-year-old opening batsman Isaac Abdallah Lubega, who were part of the victorious side that won the Africa Premier League title in July last year. Notable absentees who have won national caps before include; Fred Isabirye, former Under 19 skipper Hamza Almuzahim Saleh and opening Dennis Tabby.
Before the team leaves for Dubai, they will play a T20 series against Kenya from March 2 to 6.
Karashani (captain), Arthur Kyobe, Benjamin Musoke, Ruyange, Arthur Ziraba, Ochimi, Deus Muhumuza, Seiga, Otim, Ronald Ssemanda, Brian Masaba, Ssebanja, Henry Ssenyondo, Otwani, Charles Waiswa, Lawrence Sematimba, Roger Mukasa and Frank Nsubuga.
By Innocent Ndawula, Daily Monitor
