The Cricket Cranes have officially turned to a familiar and legendary face to lead them into their next chapters. The Uganda Cricket Association has confirmed the appointment of East African cricket icon Steve Tikolo as the new head coach, handing the former Kenya captain a three-year contract.
This marks Tikolo’s third stint at the helm of the Ugandan national team, a development that has sent ripples of excitement through the local cricketing community.
For those who have followed the Cricket Cranes over the past decade, Tikolo needs no introduction. Known affectionately as “Gunnzie” during his illustrious playing days, he has long been regarded as one of the finest cricketers to emerge from the continent.
His previous tenures in Uganda were defined by a rigorous focus on discipline, tactical development, and expanding the team’s depth. During his time with the Cranes, Tikolo was instrumental in blooding new talent and instilling a professional culture that saw the team compete with renewed vigor on the global stage.
The timing of this appointment suggests that the Uganda Cricket Association is looking for stability and a proven leader to solidify the progress the team has made in recent years.
With a three-year mandate, Tikolo has the runway required to implement a long-term vision, focus on youth development, and refine the tactical approach of a squad that has shown it can punch above its weight.
“I am not a stranger in Uganda,” Tikolo once famously remarked during his early days in the country.
That familiarity is likely to be his greatest asset. He arrives knowing the players, the local challenges, and the potential that lies within the current squad.
That’s fantastic news! It’s great to see someone with such a strong history supporting the team.