Mahatlane Sets ODI Status Target After Unveiling As Cricket Cranes Coach

New Cricket Cranes coach Lawrence Mahatlane says achieving ODI status is a “realistic” target for Uganda.

Appointed on June 27, the South African has today been unveiled by the Uganda Cricket Association at Kati Kati in Kampala.

The 44-year old signed on on a three-year deal to replace Kenyan Steven Tikolo.

“There are big shoes to fill in,” UCA CEO Martin Ondeko said. “We want him to setup structures for the National team so that our players can perform well at an international level.”

“We want him to get Uganda an ODI status by 2022, I know it comes with increased funding, a lot of cricket not only for the National team but also at the junior level.”

Lawrence Mahatlane

Mahatlane comes with vast experience having spent over six years with South African U19 team.

National Council of Sports Chairman Donald Rukare has commended Uganda Cricket Association for appointing a seasoned coach, being the “best run federation” and for organising the recent Elite T20 League amidst Covid19 pandemic.

NCS Chairman Donald Rukare

Mahatlane will work with Jackson Ogwang as his assistant coach.

“It has been an interesting journey, this process started in January and the offer was very persuasive,” Mahatlane told Journalists.

“The passion made me sign on the dotted lines and I am very excited by the new challenge ahead.

“The target of ODI Status by 2020 is very realistic, but it’s not only the vision, I want also the ladies to do well, I want to make sure that Cricket is an elite sport in Uganda and I want to see how every kid will access the game.

“If we can’t dream, we cannot have a vision, hopeful I will be part of the dream.

UCA CEO Martin Ondeko and Cricket Cranes coach Lawrence Mahatlane

He lightly added: “I am also here to learn the culture, hopeful in the next six months I will address the media in the local language. I want us to work together so that we can achieve the set goals.”

The new coach also joked about the Kampala traffic.

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