Sports 14 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Steve Tikolo Back for Third Stint as Cricket Cranes Coach with World Cup Ambitions
Kenyan cricket legend Steve Tikolo has been unveiled as head coach of Uganda's senior men's team for the third time, signing a three-year deal after a global search drew over 75 applicants. He aims to secure ODI status and guide the Cricket Cranes to the 2028 T20 World Cup. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/cricket/tikolo-returns-to-finish-what-he-started-with-cricket-cranes-5390718
Tikolo’s Return to Cricket Cranes
Steve Tikolo, the renowned Kenyan cricketer, has rejoined Uganda’s national cricket team as head coach for his third tenure. Unveiled at Lakeside Oval in Entebbe, he signed a three-year contract, emphasizing his drive to complete ‘unfinished business’ from past roles.
Tikolo steps in after Abhay Sharma’s resignation post the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier. Assistant coach Jackson Ogwang held interim duties for five months.
Global Recruitment Process
Cricket Uganda launched the search on January 26, receiving applications from 14 countries like South Africa, India, and Australia. Ten candidates reached the final stage, evaluated on coaching skills, leadership, and cultural fit. Tikolo topped the list due to his prior experience with Uganda.
Cricket Uganda CEO Evelyn Kabongerwa praised the thorough process, noting Tikolo’s familiarity and World Cup pedigree as key factors.
Past Achievements and Goals
Tikolo previously coached Uganda as batting coach (2012-2013) and head coach (2016-2019), helping build the squad that qualified for the 2024 T20 World Cup. At 54, with ICC Level 3 qualification and stats from 135 ODIs, he targets ODI status via the ICC Cricket World Cup Challenge League B—where Uganda leads—and 2028 T20 World Cup qualification.
Head of High Performance Richard Okia highlighted Tikolo’s expertise in Associate cricket.
Upcoming Challenge
The team departs for Namibia on Monday for a five-match tour: two T20s and three 50-over games against Namibia Eagles and Namibia A. Captain Riazat Ali Shah leads a mix of veterans and young players.
Squad: Riazat Ali Shah (c), Robinson Obuya, Simon Ssesazi, Anas Mirza Baig, Kenneth Waiswa, Cyrus Kakuru, Charles Musemeza, Juma Miyaji, Cosmas Kyewuta, Bilal Hassun, Henry Ssenyondo, Joseph Baguma, Mathew Musinguzi, Gerald Olipa.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)