Uganda’s national cricket team will stay, train and play in Whakatāne early in the New Year in preparation for next month’s ICC World Cup qualifier tournament.
The Whakatāne United Cricket Club was confirmed as the host of the 24-strong Ugandan party just last week and has leapt into action, organising accommodation, cultural experiences and entertainment, plus the use of the cricket facilities at Rex Morpeth Park for training and two warm-up matches against a Club invitation team.
“This is a fantastic opportunity to get involved in the tournament which will decide which of the second-tier cricket nations win their way through to the next World Cup one-day tournament,” says Club spokesman Trig Yates. “It’s really only possible because of the huge progress we’ve made with our wicket blocks in recent years. Both blocks at Rex Morpeth Park are up to a suitable standard for international sides to prepare on, and we’ll be doing our utmost to help the Ugandan team acclimatise and get used to New Zealand playing conditions.”
The Ugandan players and officials will arrive in Whakatāne on Friday, 3 January and after settling in will have a net practice session the next day and face a Whakatāne United invitation team in a 50-over match on Sunday, 5 January. Another warm-up match will follow on 7 January before the team shifts to Tauranga for the start of the tournament the following day.
“Both warm-up matches will start at midday, and locals and visitors would be very welcome to come along and show their support,” Mr Yates says. “Ground entry will be free of charge, but any donations would be greatly appreciated to help offset our hosting and match organising costs.”
He says the club is seeking business involvement via sponsorship and stalls offering food and refreshments during the practice matches. “We’re working closely with the Whakatāne District Council parks and reserves team to get the outfield rolled and cut so that the match-day conditions are ideal. The Club really appreciates the work which has gone into improving the town’s cricket facilities, and this initiative shows that those achievements are recognised around theregion.”
Uganda will join the Netherlands, Namibia, Kenya and Papua New Guinea in Pool B of the 10-nation World Cup qualifying tournament. The top four countries will qualify for the World Cup, with the top five qualifying for One-Day International status and the top eight participating in the International Cricket Council’s high performance programme.