New Gaffer Lawrence Mahatlane. Courtesy photo

Uganda Cricket Association is buoyant after appointing South African Lawrence Mahatlane as the new coach of the Uganda Cricket Cranes to replace Kenyan Steven Tikolo who moved to Tanzania.

Work is cut out for Mahatlane who joins the Cricket Cranes, a side that has not enjoyed enormous success in recent past.

However, the South African who signed a three-year deal, comes with vast experience especially with the youth setup after handling Proteas Under 19 side at the World Cup.

UCA CEO Martin Ondeko says that Mahatlane was the best man for the job from all the candidates that applied.

“He was the best according to the recruitment panel from the 14 that applied,” Ondeko told this website. “They looked at experience, organisation skills, education among others.”

Mahatlane spent years grooming the Proteas and UCA want the coach to use the same blueprint and elevate the game of cricket in Uganda.

“We want him to set up structures for the teams to perform at the highest level.

“Its also key that we qualify for ODI status after a 100% start to the Challenge B tournament.”

In December last year, The Cricket Cranes won the first round of the World Cricket Challenge league group B that was held in Oman.

However, due to the ongoing lockdown induced Covid19 pandemic, the second round of the Cricket World Cup Challenge League B that was due to take place in Uganda in August, was postponed by ICC.

Did You Know?

• Mahatlane was named as U19 coach in 2014 to replace Ray Jennings who was sacked after eight years in charge.
• He led the Junior Proteas to three World Cups, with the side finishing 11th and fifth in the previous two.