Cricket Cranes skipper set to play in lower tier

Kampala. Experience and exceptional talent aside, national team captains customarily come from some of the relatively top sporting clubs and franchises.

Think of the likes of Jimmy Kirunda (KCC), Paul Hasule (SC Villa), George Ssimwogerere (Express) who respectively led the Uganda Cranes in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. Or the Rugby Cranes armband that rotates between Heathens and Kobs players. Things are however set to be different though for the national men’s cricket team.

Cricket Cranes skipper Brian Masaba will play in the lower tier this year after he joined Division II club Aziz Damani.
But why should Masaba leave 2012 top-flight league winners Tornado? “I was given an employment opportunity (by one of the club sponsors) that worked for me,” Masaba disclosed to this paper.

The former Castle and Nile all-rounder was recruited to the sales and marketing department at ABC Impex Africa Ltd, one of Damani’s big sponsors. So wasn’t he tied down in the cricket sense? “Not really,” the 24-year-old said.
“I was at a stage where I had to look beyond just cricket. Good enough my friends and fellow national team players understood and can relate with my reasons.” he added.

Masaba was unveiled by Damani director Siva Kotti at a press conference on Wednesday evening alongside fellow Cricket Cranes’ batsman Arnold Otwan (Challengers) and experienced Assadu Seiga (KICC). The pair also joined from topflight clubs.

“Out target is to help Damani secure promotion to Division I next year and with their good set-up, we can do it.” noted journeyman Assadu, who once plied his trade in Pakistan and Oman.
The 50-Over League season gets underway next weekend.

Local Cricket Transfers

Brian Masaba (Tornado to Aziz Damani)
Assadu Seiga (KICC to Aziz Damani)
A. Otwan (Challengers to Aziz Damani)

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