Kirsten shifts focus to T20s

KAMPALA. It is time to change codes from Limited Overs (50) to Twenty20 (T20s). With their 50-over game future uncertain after being relegated back to Division III and no immediate itinerary to look forward to, the Cricket Cranes must quickly put the past behind them and prep up for the imminent future.
The team’s displays in Windhoek at the just concluded Pepsi Division II International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cricket League (WCL) were like bad a dream. They neither materialised nor met the desired expectations.
Their performance left many a fan calling for the coach’s head but Cricket Cranes tactician Peter Kirsten is hopeful he can avoid the sack and still be part of the mix as the Ugandans look to forge a way forward.
The Ugandans are due to compete in the ICC Division I Africa T20 Regional Qualifier from March 28 – April 4 in Benoni, South Africa with two berths at stake for the continent to the ICC World T20 Global Qualifier slated for July 9 – August 2 in Scotland, United Kingdom.
And Kirsten is looking to continue his ‘mixed fortunes affair’ with Uganda.
“I hope the Uganda Cricket Association (UCA) Board can keep me as coach,” said the 59-year-old former South African Test batsman. “I talked to the CEO Justine Ligyalingi after he watched some of our games in Windhoek and he sounded positive that the Board was happy with my work. They should let me continue the hard work with the boys.”
Kirsten also spoke of how the team can turn around its fortunes. “The expectations must have got to the guys. My style of coaching is not to be hard on the guys. I would like to work on a few more things then we shall have the right mix.
“The guys are better than that. We were two batsmen short and drafting them in will help us get the balance right,” said the legendary South African.

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