By Fred Kaweesi

THE fitness of the Cranes’ lead strikers could have a big bearing on the match-winning prospects in next week’s Africa Nations Championship return fixture against Burundi.

Henry Kisekka, who struck Uganda’s away goal in the first leg before sustaining an injury and being replaced by Bruno Olobbo, resumed light training yesterday.

However Peter Ssenyonjo, who had originally been primed to lead the lines but pulled out on the eve of the game with a twisted ankle, has had to delay his return.

The two players’ condition is the least coach Robert Williamson would want particularly while preparing for a fixture in which his side will have to go for goals to guarantee automatic progress in the competition.

“I expect Peter (Ssennyonjo) here in a few days time. Henry (Kisekka) is showing progress, so hopefully we will get things better with time,” Williamson stated after his team’s first session yesterday.

Williamson will desperately need the two strikers fit given the fact that Mike Sserumaga, who did not travel to Bujumbura also due to injury, has ruled himself out of the return leg.

Sserumaga’s absence means Ibrahim ‘Saddam’ Juma, who had a disappointing game in Bujumbura, will most certainly retain his starting place behind the main striker.

Tony Odur and Anthony Bongole are the other forwards in the team but have previously been deployed as wide players due to the team’s lack of width.

Meanwhile, Williamson has invited SC Villa’s midfielder Simon Sserunkuuma to replace KCC FC winger Brian Majwega, who has shunned Cranes duty without any clear reasons.

“Brian (Majwega) has not turned up nor contacted me, so he’s out,” Williamson stated.