The Uganda Cricket Association (UCA) has unveiled Jackson Ogwang, 33, as the new head coach on an interim basis for the Cricket Cranes.
Laurence Mahatlane, who was in charge of Cricket Cranes on a three-year contract, did not have his contract renewed.
Ogwang’s appointment was made public by UCA earlier this week, but his official unveiling took place on September 27, 2023.
Michael Nuwagaba, the chairman of the association, discussed the reason why UCA decided against renewing Mahatlane’s contract.
“As the board, we feel our current coach (Laurence Mahatlane) has done a lot of good work for us. He has moved us from the 33rd ranking to the current 23rd, but the thinking is to get higher, we need to shift some gears,” Nuwagaba said.
“So, as the board, we took the decision not to renew his contract, and in the interim, we will be using our local content to take us through the coming events. Jackson Ogwang, who has been under Mahatlane’s watch for three years, will be in charge of the team,” he added.
The 33-year-old’s first priority is to head the Cricket Cranes in Namibia during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifiers, which will take place between November 20 and December 1.
Ogwang said that he is eager to take on this challenging assignment despite the high level of pressure involved.
“It’s a task that comes with loads of pressure, but I am happy to take it on. Every task comes with some kind of pressure, but this one we are really looking forward to,” Ogwang said.
“We have worked on a game plan and a certain brand of cricket we want to play. Our recent success has come from a brand where the boys express themselves through an aggressive and smart approach. We will continue doing the same going into the qualifiers,” he added.
Ogwang paid respect to the former coach, whom many cricket fans thought deserved to have his contract renewed.
“It’s been a privilege to work with a coach from a test-playing nation. I have learned a lot from him: his organisational skills, player management skills, motivational skills, player performance plans, and player development plans. Working with him has been a learning process for me,” he noted.
Ogwang will also be in charge of the Cricket Cranes as they seek to defend the T20 Africa Cup in South Africa in December.
