Speaking to the press at the team flag off ahead of their tour to Qatar and India interim Uganda men’s coach Davis Turinawe has confirmed that he is not interested in the Cricket Cranes’ role on a full-time basis after Steve Tikolo’s departure last month, saying he is not interested in the job but only managing the handover process in the interim.

He said: “I am only here for now as we wait for a permanent appointment, I want to ensure that the new person finds the team at a certain level in terms of their fitness and skills development.”

Davis was in charge of the Cricket Cranes for a short stint in 2015. He is a level 3 qualified coach and has also coached Rwanda’s national side.

The Cricket Cranes of Uganda are seen off for their tour of Qatar and India (Supplied)

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He will be in charge of the Ugandan team as they build up towards the inaugural Africa T20 Cup in Nairobi next month. The Cricket Cranes will tour Qatar first where they will play 3 T20 games and two 50 over matches, the T20 games have international T20 status with ranking points on offer for either side.

The team will then travel to Mumbai where they will play two 40 over games before settling into Sanjay Farm in Chikhli where they will play four more games before returning home.

The Cricket Cranes travel in two batches with some players only part of the Qatar tour and others linking up with the team in India. The India leg of the tour has up to 10 youngsters of the 16-strong squad as the upcoming players have been given an opportunity to show what they can do.

After a run of stogn local form, Saud Islam will make his debut on the international scene, and Deus Muhumuza returns to the fold after a brief break.

The Uganda men have a big international season this year and this tour allows them to expose as many players as possible to international cricket.

TEAM TO QATAR:

1. Brian Mark Masaba (captain) 2. Arnold Otwani (vice-captain) 3. Roger Mukasa 4. Charles Waiswa 5. Kenneth Waiswa 6. Saud Islam 7. Henry Ssenyondo 8. Fred Achelam 9. Frank Nsubuga 10. Richard Agamire 11. Deus Muhumuza 12. Trevor Bukenya 13. Zephaniah Arinaitwe 14. Frank Akankwasa.

TEAM TO INDIA:

1. Brian Masaba (captain) 2. Arnold Otwani (vice-captain) 3. Roger Mukasa 4. Zephania Arinaitwe 5. Charles Waiswa 6. Kenneth Waiswa 7. Richard Agamire 8. Trevor Bukenya 9. Frank Akankwasa 10. Rogers Olipa 11. Steven Wabwose 12. Robinson Obuya 13. Cyrus Kakuru 14. Gerald Mubiru 15. Calvin Watuwa 16. Jonathan Kizza.

CRICKET CRANES ITINERARY:

DOHA LEG

Feb 9: Team Travels to Qatar

Feb 10: Arrival in Doha

Feb 11: 1st Match (50 overs)

Feb 12: 2nd Match (T20I)

Feb 13: Rest Day

Feb 14: 3rd & 4th Match (T20Is)

Feb 15: 5th Match (50 overs)

MUMBAI LEG

Feb 16: Travel to India

Feb 17: Arrival in Mumbai

Feb 18: 1st Match (40-overs)

Feb 19: 2nd Match (40 overs)

SANJAY FARM LEG

Feb 20: Travel to Sanjay Farm

Feb 21: 1st game (40 overs)

Feb 22: 2nd game (40 overs)

Feb 23: Rest Day (CSR Work)

Feb 24: 3rd game (40 overs)

Feb 25: 4th game (40 overs)

Feb 26: Team returns to Uganda