For the past two decades, Francis Ategeka, 42, has had a special calling to look after the treasured wicket and cricket ovals in general.
Ategeka, popularly known as Mutooro, left his native home area of Fort Portal City, Western Uganda, about 295 KM from the capital Kampala where he settled.
Lady luck smiled upon him as he landed a job with the Uganda Cricket Association (UCA) as a groundsman and thus far, it is now history to tell home.
Since 2005, he worked with UCA for ten years before greener pastures in the next paddocks came knocking.
To date, Ategeka is currently based in Abuja City, Nigeria after securing a job with the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NFA).
He has become a consultant of sorts as far as maintenance of cricket ovals and wickets in particular is concerned for the entire West Africa.
Ategeka confidently narrates his progressive journey in this industry just like a clock ticks and pats.
“I do recall the early days when I had just left Fort Portal for Kampala. The Uganda Cricket Association made me what I am today. Having worked for UCA for ten works, my foundation was laid. I am so humbled,” he vividly recollects as he waters the Achimota B cricket oval in Ghana during the 13th African Games in Accra, Ghana.
Like a coin, Ategeka’s life as a cricket oval maintenance personnel is both self-made and edified.
In the early days when he had just started to work with UCA at the Kampala, Kyambogo, Entebbe, Mehta and Jinja ovals, he basically learnt on the job.
In 2010, he attained the first Curator training held in South Africa and this completely turned around his life for the better with expertise in what he cherished most.
“The curator training of South Africa in 2010 was a turning point in my career. I know how the job is done professionally and opened doors to new avenues as well,” he adds.
Nigeria comes knocking:
After impressive work in Uganda, Ategeka caught the eye of “pro-ranks” in Nigeria during the year 2015.
Until today, Ategeka has been based in Nigeria as he diligently looks after the two cricket ovals in Abuja and Lagos cities.
“I am humbly to work in Nigeria. The country has hospitable people and I have done my work with ease. I look forward to many years of serving,” Ategeka remarked.
His impressive work chores have been extended to the neighbouring countries of Sierra Leone and lately Ghana for the 13th African Games.
Before a cricket match and in between the innings, Ategeka ensures that everything is well in place and organized.
This ranges from the oval and wicket in the best ever shape, boundary rope in place, pitch cover present, scoreboard (manual or electronic), flat sheet covers, markers, nets and the like.
He sings praise of Uye Akpata, the president of the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) for the linkage to Ghana to help improve the cricket facilities in Accra at Achimota for the 13th African Games.
“I want to thank Mr. Uye Akpata for the special connection to travel to Nigeria and work on the facilities in Ghana, in conjunction with the ICC. It is through him that other countries in West Africa are also picking interest to develop their facilities,” Ategeka showers the flowers to Akpata.
Ategeka is happy with the job that he does with passion, commitment and determination which has been able to sustain him and his family for many years now.
