S256 – 012 soccer256 Tel: +256783182922 Email: soccer256@in ENDIBA soccer magazine All signs point up for Ugandan football Government support As we eagerly awaited for the crucial decider against Senegal in Marakesh, I was surprised by some Ugandans who suddenly had an interest in Ugandan football and wanted Uganda cranes to go straight to the world cup. Mbu, who said you, cannot reap what you have not sowed. It was so unfair for both the coach and the players who have had a very short time working together. The just concluded decider in Marakesh was always going to be decided by which side needed it the most. The Senegalese proved to be more technical and mature. Uganda’s Godfrey Walusimbi showed his naivety by making a reckless tackle which was the turning point of the game. The government has shown some rare support for sports in the country. Lets hope the support does not stop with the Marakesh game. CHAN Competition The wrangles in the Ugandan game did not stop the cranes from beating Tanzania , home and away to qualify for the CHAN competition. The competition could be a revelation of some Uganda’s new new talent. Players like Brian Majjwega , Frank Kalanda, Joseph Mpande and Saidi Kyeyune will be desperate for this opportunity to take their trade to the next level. Am sure new names will come up as Uganda prepares for the CHAN competition to be held in South Africa next year. Qualification to the competition has also shown how much talent Uganda possesses. Killer instinct The futile world cup qualifier against Senegal in Marakesh exposed some of Uganda’s greatest football problems. It’s not easy to win matches when a team does not score goals. Its partly Africa’s problem as a whole. Africa’s strikers lack a killer instinct; they tend to shy away when the biggest opportunity beckons. It could be in the DNA of African footballers of have an African football background, players who have grown and started playing here in African teams. Even when the cranes were down to ten men, they could have gone in front , but thanks to lack of a killer instinct which am sure the cranes tactician took note. There was a spirited performance but lack of technical ability and poor decision making. But all in all Micho has seemed to be able to get the best out of the lads due to the competition for places within the squad. CECAFA Neighbors Ethiopia seems to be doing something right at the moment. Qualification to the Nations Cup last year in South Africa and advancing to the next round of the 2014 world cup qualifiers ahead of South Africa in their group was no easy task. They won a crucial away encounter against the Central Africa Republic 2-1 and are now awaiting for the draw. Uganda on the other hand came short , but other East African countries like Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda have struggled to make any progress. Perfect tactician Serbian tactician Micho has proved to be the complete article as far as development of Ugandan soccer is concerned. The Serbian who was once at the helm of SC Villa, one of the country’s most successful clubs was hired earlier this year to replace Bobby who had failed to make progress with the cranes. Bobby is currently with Kenyan giants Gormahia F.C. in the Kenya premier League. Micho seems to be having full control of the cranes, judging with the recent inclusions and omissions of some players. He has created space for young stars to come through the ranks to the national team. Players like KCCA F.C. skillful winger Brian Majjwega and URA’s Frank Kalanda are some of the players I would not have thought would make the grade if the outgoing FUFA president Lawrence Mulindwa still had influence on the cranes team. South Africa based players like Geofrey Sserunkuma, Posnet Omony and Timothy Batabaire should also be considered in the next campaign inorder to create more competition within the team. I donot understand why play an unfit Andy Mwesigwa while an experienced Timothy Batabaire is available and can play in the same position. Uganda has never been short of talent to use unfit and injured players.
Posted on: Mon, 09 Sep 2013 17:40:36 +0000