It’s Tikolo vs Odoyo

Nairobi. Cricket Cranes coach Steve Tikolo admits that sport is all about winning. After all, he single-handedly won so many matches for his country and all the franchises he played for in England, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Bangladesh.
But the Kenyan legend insists that he will not allow the allure of quick victories to blur his vision of rebuilding a strong side ahead of a tough 2017 season that will witness Uganda fight for honours in the Division III International Cricket Council (ICCI World Cricket League.
It is that notion that will drive Tikolo to ring more changes when winless Uganda engage unbeaten hosts Kenya on Day Four of the Four-Nation One Day International (ODI) Quadrangular Series at Nairobi Jaffrey’s Sports Club Ground today.
“We have a squad of 17 players here and the two guys that have not yet played will take the field,” Tikolo confirmed after yesterday afternoon’s workout session at Sir Ali Muslim Club Ground.

Maiden appearances
It will be all-rounder Deus Muhumuza’s maiden appearance in the series whereas 19-year-old batting all-rounder Abdallah Lubega will be making his 50-over debut – having won his maiden Twenty20 cap for Uganda in 2011 as a 14-year-old.
“We are taking this tournament seriously and would like to improve as unit. I want everyone to play a fair number of games because we are looking at the big picture (2017 season).”
The Kenya – Uganda rivalry is one of the most intense sports rivalries in Africa and things like current form count for nothing in these derbies, something Tikolo concurs with.
“These games are always close and both teams know each other’s dug out very well. If we get anything above 250, it will be a competitive match,” said the 45-year-old tactician.
“Although we are yet to win, I am happy with what I have seen so far. We are getting runs on board unlike previous Ugandan sides and not really playing like a side that has been out of action for two years. We are not very rusty and now we must look sharper in certain areas like the number of runs we give away in the opening 10 overs.”
Tikolo, however, will need four of his star players including captain Davis Karashani (leg injury), opening batsman Roger Mukasa (hamstring), all-rounder Jonathan Ssebanja (back and ankle injury) and top order batsman Hamu Kayondo (shoulder injury) to pass a late fitness test to be overseen by renowned Kenyan physiotherapist Moses Kimani before they play this morning.
Although Kenya are unbeaten and through to Saturday’s final, coach Thomas Odoyo said that his team will not be taking the game lightly as they seek to maintain their flawless run against the ‘old enemy’.
“We know what to expect against Uganda. But we are not worried about them. We want to execute our game plans and play to the basics. Whoever plays well in the pressure moments will win,” said Odoyo, a former teammate of Tikolo, who featured in four International Cricket Council (ICC) Cricket World Cups between 1999 and 2011.
Saudi Arabia engage Qatar in the other encounter - a do-or-die fixture at Nairobi Gymkhana Oval – with the winner progressing through tomorrow’s (Saturday) final against Kenya to be hosted by Nairobi Jaffrey’s Sports Club Ground.

4-nation odi series
Today – 9.30am
Kenya vs. Uganda
(Nairobi Jaffrey’s Oval)
Qatar vs. Saudi Arabia
(Nairobi Gymkhana Oval)

DEBUTS

It will be all-rounder Deus Muhumuza’s maiden appearance in the series whereas 19-year-old batting all-rounder Abdallah Lubega will be making his 50-over debut – having won his maiden Twenty20 cap for Uganda in 2011 as a 14-year-old.

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