On the 19th November, the Uganda Cricket Association were finally able to present Laurence Mahatlane as the Head Coach of the Ugandan men’s national team. Despite officially taking the job in June, the ongoing global pandemic meant that Mahatlane’s official unveiling had to be significantly delayed.
When talking about the appointment of Mahatlane, the CEO of the Ugandan Cricket Association Martin Ondeko was quoted as saying ‘We are excited that Laurence is finally in the country to take up the position. A lot ahead for the national team so early preparations are key. His immediate assignment will be to prepare the team for the tour to Qatar next month’.
Preparations for the trip to Qatar have already started and current interim coach Davis Turinawe and Jackson Ogwang will continue to aid Mahatlane as he gets to know the players in the squad.
Mahatlane has signed a three-year deal with Uganda Cricket Association following a period as South Africa’s U19 coach. Alongside his stint with the South African U19 squad, he has gained experience during his time at the Central Gauteng Lions, Gauteng U19 and the South African team that participated at the Hong Kong Sixes. Alongside his coaching roles, Mahatlane has also been a part of South Africa’s national academy selection committee and has been a coach mentor.
Ugandan cricket fans will hope that Mahatlane will be able to use his experience to help to continue to development of both the team’s current players and future stars. Following his unveiling, it would appear as if fans have quickly warmed to the new head coach and it is going to be exciting to see how the team develops.
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