The Castle Lite Series will feature four thrilling T20 matches, starting on July 5, followed by two gripping 50-overs matches on July 11 and 13.
Uganda Cricket Cranes coach Lawrence Mahatlane, is eagerly anticipating the upcoming Castle Lite Series, scheduled to take place from July 5 to 13 at the United Sports Field in Windhoek, Namibia.
This tournament, according to the South African presents a valuable opportunity for the Cricket Cranes, to enhance their skills and gain vital experience on the international stage.
"We are grateful to Cricket Namibia for keeping the relationship alive,” said Mahatlane.
“This series will help us test the depth of our squad and expose new players to world-class competition. We look forward to this opportunity to further develop as a unit.”
The Castle Lite Series will feature four thrilling T20 matches, starting on July 5, followed by two gripping 50-overs matches on July 11 and 13.
The Ugandan team's previous tour of the Southern African nation in 2022 saw them secure victories in one T20 game and one 50-over game, marking a significant turnaround after suffering defeat in all matches during their first tour in 2021.
![](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/30062023/6537b816-ecc7-47a4-96d3-3fa1493429a9.jpg?operations=fit(480:))
Under Mahatlane's guidance, the Cricket Cranes have made significant strides in recent years, demonstrating notable improvement in the development of cricket in Uganda.
This tour to Namibia is seen as another step forward in the team's progression.
Pierre de Bruyn, the head coach of the Namibian cricket team, also expressed belief that facing the Cricket Cranes would help the Richelieu Eagles progress further.
He stressed the importance of this opportunity in shaping their T20 strategic planning.
Namibia is eager to evolve their T20 game and establish themselves as a formidable force in this format of the sport.
“We want to evolve our T20 game and become a force in T20 cricket, and we still need to change our thinking, upskill ourselves and identify players for the execution of the T20 brand we aspire to play,” Pierre emphasized.
![](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/30062023/28976025-af44-4810-9631-66c242a65def.jpg?operations=fit(480:))
Both the Namibian and Ugandan men's cricket teams have recently engaged in competitive matches.
Namibia Men played a bilateral series against Karnataka state in India, while Uganda Men emerged victorious in the finals of the T20 Continent Cup Africa tournament held in Nairobi, Kenya, organized by Cricket Kenya and the International League T20.
There are exciting developments as the team prepares for their upcoming tour of the Southern African nation.
One significant return is that of bowler Juma Miyaji, who missed the Cricket Cranes' previous trip to Nairobi for the Continent Cup due to a back injury.
Another young player making his comeback is Ronald Lutaya, who was absent during Uganda's triumph in Nairobi due to university exams.
Lutaya's return adds depth and talent to the team, and his presence will undoubtedly be an asset on the field.
Unfortunately, Cosmos Kyewuta is still recovering from an injury he sustained during his trials in South Africa.
The Cricket Cranes coach, Laurence Mahatlane, understands the importance of having all his key players in top form, especially with the World Cup Qualifiers approaching in November, which will also be held in the same country.