Whenever people see me, they think I am from the West Indies, but once I mention I am from Uganda, the reaction is different, so I have to work twice as hard to prove myself – Kenneth Waiswa.
Kenneth Waiswa was another of the very many gems to come out of the talent-rich region of Jinja, learning his skills under the guidance of Habib Mugalula at Jinja SS before crossing to rivals Busoga College Mwiri and winning a coveted Schools Cricket Week title with the record champions.
A standout player in his generation as a junior, as a prolific all-rounder, he was destined for big things. He was handed the captaincy of the U-19 team, and only fate denied them a shot at the 2018 U-19 World Cup after Kenya nicked them on the final day in the most cruel of ways.
The success of his junior days was enough to get him fast-tracked into the senior men’s team, but the success never followed him that much. On a bigger stage and with different coaches, he has struggled to establish himself as a household name. Lawrence Mahatlane was patient enough to allow him to fail with the assurances that his place was under no threat and that sometimes can help players develop, but with Abhay Sharma and with new standards, the opportunities have not been assured, and each player is required to earn their place through consistent performances.
The environment is also an opportunity to raise your game to meet the new standards. Waiswa got an opportunity through a mutual friend to feature for the Wedgwood Cricket Club in the UK. Despite the process being completed late in the summer, there was a window of opportunity for at least 12 games in a new environment. For the first time, Waiswa would not have the trappings of familiar surroundings, and you are forced to learn that diamonds are made under extreme pressure.
Since the club invested in me as an overseas professional, it’s my responsibilty every game day to deliver. No off days are accepted, so the standard is very high. This puts more pressure on me but without the usual fall back trappings you cant make excuses to anyone, I think I needed this environment to challenge my skills and myself to know if good enough.
Kenneth Waiswa
In the four outings so far, Waiswa has managed one century, one half-century, and one single-digit return with the bat, and six wickets with the ball. A good return, but good can’t be enough if the best is an option. The UK Summer League attracts lots of talent from all over the world, and if you want to stand out, you have to be consistently good. Clubs only invest in the very best and not potential; therefore, you have to hit the road running immediately.
For Waiswa, this is an audition not just for himself but even for those who could come after him. A great cameo could earn him a longer stay next summer, and that could be the break his career required. An opportunity to compete with the best will most definitely improve his skills, but also widen your scope because of being in a better environment. The other big takeaway is the growth that happens away from your comfort zone,
I have been fortunate to find a family that has looked after me very well, it would have been more difficult if i was living alone. However, I dont take this opportunity for granted, I have to be on my best behaviour to show how grateful and lucky I am.
Kenneth Waiswa
The opening with the Wedgwood Cricket Club came with a learning opportunity that could help with the future. While the games are played over the weekends, during the week, Waiswa was contracted to be a coach for young children. The club has invested in an ECB coaching course for Waiswa, which is an opportunity that could come in handy when the runs and wickets dry up.
Since it’s summer time, the cricket summer camps are on for the young children, so Tuesdays and Wednesdays I am working with the children until the end of the summer. I am looking forward to doing my ECB coaching courses and hopefully by the time I leave will be done with my Level 2. I am grateful to the club for helping me on this path.
Kenneth Waiswa
The talent has never been the issue, but to realise your full potential is sometimes the difference between I was here and a great career. This opportunity to play away from home could be the spark that Waiswa needed to kick-start his innings with the Cricket Cranes and leave an impact on the team.
The goal is to make sure I am a permanent player on the Cricket Cranes team and I hope that this chance helps me improve my skills and grow to be head strong in the tough sitations. A successful team is good for just us but Uganda Cricket as well.
Kenneth Waiswa
Waiswa was on strike when the Cricket Cranes made history in 2023 against Zimbabwe in Namibia en route to a maiden World Cup appearance, and he was on strike against PNG at the World Cup as Uganda picked up its first ever World Cup win, but that cant be all there is for a man who was always thought of as a future leader of the Cricket Cranes. There is more to Kenneth Waiswa yet to come, especially after his current semi-professional stint.