Cricket: Qatar to sign MOU with UCA

Doha.

Under the leadership of youthful Bashir ‘Badu’ Ansasiira, Uganda Cricket Association (UCA) know that they’re no island and will never be self-sustaining.
Ansasiira knows the association can only remain afloat and thrive further in this evolving world of the gentleman’s game by creating relations with countries that not only have better facilities but also those willing to reciprocate kind gestures.
When Uganda got relegated from International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cricket League (WCL) Division III in Kampala last year, Ansasiira appointed Jackson Kavuma to the role of Head of International Relations at UCA.
Building partnerships
“We as a young board must do work and go out there seek partnerships that will benefit the association. People should not wait for me to do everything. I am also a busy man,” the affable Ansasiira told Daily Monitor then.
And six months down the road, Kavuma, who is also the Cricket Cranes Team Manager, has already produced the goods with Uganda’s on-going Tour of Qatar and the subsequent one to India being a result of his efforts.
“I have tried to present and market UCA and our teams as disciplined and down-to-earth. It is important that all those that extend olive branches to us to view us as appreciative and that is what I am trying to inculcate in the players and team officials. We are here to learn and benefit from the partnership,” said Kavuma, soon after a meeting with Qatar Cricket Association (QCA) and Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) officials at the team’s base City Centre Rotana, Doha.
Willing to help
QCA president Yousef Jeham Al Kuwari confirmed that he was willing to help and be a part of the development and progress of Ugandan cricket.
“Uganda have shown desire to work with us and together we can develop as cricketing and sporting nations,” said Al Kuwari, who is also the head of the hockey and rugby associations in Qatar.
“I know a lot about Uganda’s rugby side and its potential. Your country is full of skilled players. And I know your cricketers are equally talented. We will make a partnership that will become stronger with each passing year.”
Kavuma, who represented UCA at meeting, disclosed that the positivity of Al Kuwari and his board will translate into an annual bilateral series between the two nations, an opportunity for our players to play in the lucrative Qatari League and accessibility to equipment donations amongst other things.
“The Qatar people especially their Operations Manager Manzoor Ahmed have been good to us. We will not disappoint them,” said Kavuma.
Daily Monitor has already learnt that Ansasiira will travel to Doha next month to officially sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two countries – a working document that has already been drafted.