After doing a year’s worthwhile job with Uganda’s Cricket Cranes, Steve Tikolo was appointed coach of the Kenya Under-19 cricket team early this month.
The first assignment of Tikolo is the International Cricket Council (ICC) Under-19 World Cup Africa Qualifiers tournament which signifies a return to Uganda for the one-week show piece from May 25- June 1.
Tikolo brings vast of experience to the team, having held some coaching roles with various teams since his retirement from International cricket in 2011.
The former national cricket team captain, who replaces former Kenya seamer Joseph Angara, will be remembered for his positive contribution to Uganda’s cricket.
“We can only say thank you,” Uganda Cricket Association CEO Justin Ligyalingi told Kawowo Sports. “He has done a lot with a space of one year.”
Tikolo was Uganda’s batting coach since July and his one-year contract ended after the Bermuda mission.
He, alongside fellow Kenyan Martin Suji helped Uganda finish second at the ICC World Cricket League Division Three behind Nepal. In that, Uganda joined nine others to next ICC World Cup Qualifier slated for New Zealand and Australia.
While in Uganda, he also steered Rwenzori Warriors East Africa Cricket League title after beating Kenya Kongonis. He lost the East Africa Cup in the finals to Coast Pekee. Tikolo also coached Zimbabwe franchise Southern Rock in the Zimbabwe’s top league.
Tikolo arrived in the country and quickly took over his new role at Sir Ali Muslim Club, where the national junior team was playing a trial match. He led the team to his first training session at the same venue, where he majored mostly on batting.
Tikolo represented Kenya in a highly successful career spanning 14 years. At the end of his playing days, he moved straight into coaching setting up Legend Cricket Academy in Mombasa before joining Uganda last year.
Angara expressed his pleasure at the appointment of his former captain at both club and national team. “The U-19 coach is a key appointment and I am delighted that CK have been able to select someone of such talent from within our own organization.
“Tikolo commands a lot of respect among players and the cricket fraternity and this will help him a great deal in his current role.”