Analysis of the experience of sports team defectors post defection period: a case study of Uganda Cricket

Abstract

Defection by sports men from their various sports teams has become common place in Uganda for various reasons but more so financial. In Uganda so many sportsmen have defected especially in the field of Cricket. Uganda‟s sportsmen are unequaled in patriotism; however, the level of defection in the Ugandan teams raises a question as to what extent such loyalty can stretch in this free market where the financiers of the games reserve the rights to many things and making several important decisions over players. This study was done to find out and document the experiences of the defectors post defection and suggest improvements in the cricket teams that might help deal with the problem of defection. The study was a qualitative cross-sectional study with snow ball sampling used with the study population as sports defectors from the Uganda national cricket teams for whom interviews were conducted online, over the phone and over video calls. In summary the main cause of defection is poverty and responsibilities as well as the desire to have better finances. Other minor themes include; Peer pressure, opportunity, free travel routes and career building. The last remarks in relation to the topic rotated around the fact that defection is beneficial to the individual but a loss to the country. The participants say that it‟s a form of brain drain and the government should improve the financial status of the players to be able to retain talent.