South Africa U19 World Cup coach recruited by Uganda on three-year contract

Following the departure of Steve Tikolo from his role in January, taking up a post in Tanzania, Uganda Cricket Association have announced the appointment of Lawrence Mahatlane as the new Head Coach of the Cricket Cranes. 

Replacing Davis Turinawe who had led the men’s team on an interim basis, 43-year-old Mahatlane’s record of working with young players and development sides gave him an edge over the other candidates which resulted in a unanimous decision by the selection committee according to the Association’s press release.

UCA’s CEO Martin Ondeko had this to say about Mahatlane’s appointment 

“We are very excited to have a coach of such calibre in the setup. He finds the team on an upward spiral and believe he will continue with the momentum already gathered. He will also be a very key figure in setting up the structures for the national teams. We wish him the best of luck in his new position”.

The South African was the coach for the SA U-19 side at the 2020 World Cup in South Africa. Mahatlane excelled at Cricket and Rugby in high school before choosing the former as a career. He was the assistant coach for the Highveld Lions from 2000 – 2001 before taking up the role of Cricket South Africa U19 Head Coach in 2014. He is also a rugby and cricket TV commentator at the South Africa Broadcasting Corporation (SABC). 

This is what Mahatlane had to say about his appointment 

“I am very excited with the opportunity to be a part of the Cricket Cranes family. I look forward to working with Brian and the rest of the team in taking the team forward”.

Mahatlane joins on a three-year deal and will relocate to Uganda once international travel restrictions are eased. 

The rest of the national team support staff that includes Assistant Coach Jackson Ogwang and Physio Habiba Kulsum Anguyo remain in place. 

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