Introducing Uganda: Meet the Cricket Cranes ready to soar at T20 World Cup 2024

Of course, it’d be remiss not to acknowledge Frank as an immense role-model every day for the younger generation beginning their journey as Cricket Cranes.

There aren’t many places where one would be told to trade a football or a basketball for a Kookaburra Turf, though for the likes of Juma Miyagi, Cosmas Kyewuta and Fred Achelam, there is a more prosperous life in cricket, between central contracts, government funding and local sponsorships.

Miyagi, who put on a show with 13 wickets at the 2022 U19 Cricket World Cup, also in the West Indies, is ready to beat some of the best with the new ball and with hero Nsubuga now next to him as a teammate.

“Frank inspired me a lot. His feet are everywhere in the field. He keeps himself fit. He’s been encouraging us since we were young.

“Kane Williamson (is one wicket) I want to take. Rovman Powell and Nicholas Pooran too.

“I don’t and I won’t get tired.

“I come in quick and I break people’s bones.

“The conditions are almost the same here to Uganda, there aren’t any difficulties.”

Juma earmarks Riazat and Robinson Obuya as players to watch at the tournament, the latter in his early 20s and perservering after missing on U19 selection in years gone past.

As for tournament aspirations in the West Indies, Ramjani sums things up best.

“This Ugandan team is known to fight back irrespective of whatever happens.

“So we are here to leave a mark and make sure that, you know, we will keep you off your seats whenever you’re watching us.”

“We are not just representing (ourselves). We are representing 48 million people back in Uganda. As you know, in the history of Uganda, this is the first time that our team has qualified for the World Cup.

“It’s the time for us to showcase our talent and we need the support from all the people around to, you know, showcase our talent and showcase our potential that, yes, we also can represent Uganda at the highest level because we deserve it.”

Uganda begin their campaign against Afghanistan, and feature in Group C with Papua New Guinea, New Zealand and hosts West Indies.