|
Compare Bermuda's preparation and confidence with the two teams that progressed to the next level:
Nepal
Structure:
Nepal's current structure incorporates club, district and regional progression. 12 teams participate at the national level.
Preparation for World Cricket League Division 3:
Early in September, Nepal held a four-match closed camp for the 24 probable’s. Later that month, Nepal played in the Asian Games against teams including Malaysia, Afghanistan and Kuwait. Following that, in October, the team played practice games against Sri Lanka clubs before they arrived in Malaysia.
Ahead of the tournament:
Paras Khadka: “It has been an amazing year and we want to finish on a high note by winning the ICC WCL Div. Three title. We played our first global event and got T20I status, and this has given the team a tremendous confidence and belief that we can do well.”
Uganda
Structure:
Uganda’s top players play in Division 1 of the eight-team Uganda National Men’s League.
Preparation for World Cricket League Division 3:
In September, Uganda participated in the Africa Cricket Association (ACA) Cup and featured South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Uganda. Following that, the team was at a 14 day training camp at the Easterns in South Africa. In October, the National Team held trial games on a turf wicket.
Ahead of the tournament:
Frank Nsubuga, "We have just had a very good build-up tour in South Africa, participating in the ACA Cup. We had tough games that are very good preparation leading into the tournament."
Let's face it. Uganda and Nepal did not just get lucky. Their boards overcame logistical, financial and administrative challenges, while also ensuring stability for their High Performance and Elite Development programs.
There are no signs that Bermuda even remembers the top two lofty High Performance goals that it set for itself at the beginning 2014 - "Establish Elite player development and management structure" and "Focus moves to Elite development and extension - Men & Women’s Squads."
The simple truth is Bermuda has let the players down one more time. And yet, don't expect any changes. The leadership remains comfortably perched, thanks to the unquestioned loyalty of the small number of member leagues and supporters.
|
