Steve Tikolo appointed Uganda coach

Former Kenya captain Steve Tikolo has been appointed coach of the Uganda national team, ahead of the side's participation in the World Cricket League Division Three scheduled for 2017.

This will be Tikolo's second stint with Uganda; he served as Uganda's assistant and batting coach in 2012-13. During that tenure, Uganda won the T20 African Premier League and qualified for the 2014 World Cup Qualifier after finishing in the top two with Nepal at WCL Division Three in May 2013. This experience is said to have counted in Tikolo's favour, when compared to other candidates.

"I am not a stranger in Uganda," Tikolo told journalists at a function organised by the Uganda Cricket Association (UCA). "I have been here several times. This is my second home and I will be comfortable. I am excited and anxious in a positive way."

Speaking of his goals as coach, Tikolo highlighted the team's quest for a Division Two berth. Uganda finished last in the 10-team 2014 World Cup Qualifier, which put them back in Division Three. After being promoted once again at the end of 2014 in Malaysia, Uganda finished last in the group stage at 2015 Division Two in Namibia, resulting in relegation back to Division Three once more, this time with Canada.

"Our immediate target is to qualify back to Division Two. I am determined to achieve the targets before me. I am a man of few words and my work will speak for itself."

In an international career spanning almost 18 years, Tikolo played 135 ODIs and 15 T20Is for Kenya. His attractive batting, useful part-time bowling and leadership position in the side made him the face of Kenyan cricket during its heyday in the early 2000s.