By Fred KaweesiI

AS head of state, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has attended all sorts of high-profile functions. Be it social, just enough to excite him. But what was so special on Saturday that Museveni could not believe? What was the stimulus behind his relentless smile in Mandela Stadium?

It had to be about the Cranes. It had to be about the manner in which Coach Bobby Williamson’s charges stretched Angola’s back-four to claim their first goal through David Obua on 33 minutes enroute a 3-0 comprehensive win over the hapless Angolans.

The result was as sweet as it came, the best possible outcome from a fixture that had more to it than just the three points Cranes needed for a perfect winning start to their 2012 Nations Cup qualifying campaign.

With a billion homes in Africa and the rest of the world all glued to the only fixture that was beamed live on Supersport, there was certainly no better chance, later on stage for a number of Cranes players to advertise their talents to the world.

The eleven cards Williamson assembled were aware of the expectations, cruising to victory with further strikes from Andrew Mwesigwa and Geoffrey Sserunkuuma. “I have always said that this country has talented players. You just have to trust them,” Williamson stressed.

With three points and top spot secured, it’s what happens in Nairobi that matters. The Promised Land is still a long way off. The Red Sea has been parted, but the waves can still come crashing down if Cranes coaching team falter in a few basics.

What next against Kenya?
Cranes have always won their first fixtures. Cranes have always won their home fixtures.


It’s the statistics gathered from the away tie against Kenya that could prove vital and because of the commanding record Uganda holds over Kenya in previous meetings, next month’s derby has fast-transformed into a no game for the fainthearted. There will be no room for error.

On the evidence of Uganda’s 2-0 friendly win over Sudan in Khartoum last year and the 2-1 narrow defeat to Ghana in Accra, Williamson should be in position to choose the best formation for the away task.

Ideally, it should be a 4-5-1 and not 4-4-2. In Nairobi, the temptation to be cautious will have to be there although sometimes you can be too cautious and play straight into the hands of the opposition.

Ssepuuya should be considered
This brings in the Ssepuuya factor. If Cranes intend to play a lone front-man, which ideally should be the case, no forward does it better than Ssepuuya.
Not only will his 6ft-plus-frame present a physical problem for the Kenyans but, combined with his mobility, he will prove a monster of sorts.

How about Bagoole
In an extremely inexperienced midfield of Mude Musa, Tony Mawejje, Owen Kasule and Patrick Ochan, and with player suspensions looming, the AS Avita midfielder still has a lot to offer.

Against Angola, there were no doubts about the brilliance of Mawejje, pivoting ahead of Mude Musa. But in a midfield that will be marshalled by the versatile MacDonald Mariga, Bagoole could prove a better match than Mude.

Let’s put Ssimbwa to good use
Williamson is already in a privileged position of getting first hand information from Kenya-based former Cranes assistant coach Sam Ssimbwa. A number of youngsters have been roped into the Kenyan side.

This is what the Sofapaka coach Ssimbwa can confirm, asked to collect data on all threats and advise Bobby on what measures should be taken.

HOW THE CRANES RATED

Onyango (9)
His three quick-saves were so vital in preserving Cranes’ momentum.

Masaba (7)
He was decent, always doing the bare minimum to defend his lines.

Walusimbi (8)
Highly impressive on his first serious start. Always a calming presence.

Mwesigwa (9)
He used his physical side well in subduing Manucho and scored.

Sekagya (8)
Always leading by example, always there to clean up teammates’ errors.

Musa (7)
Growing in stature as an international but always avoiding responsibility.

Kayizzi (9)
Mr livewire. He was unstoppable and had two vital assists for the goals.

Mawejje (8)
The heart and soul of this Cranes side. He was the orchestra, the conductor.

Massa (7)
He was involved in the opening goal, but missed two golden chances.

Sserumagga (7)
He had a steadying influence behind the main striker but gradually lost steam.

Obua (8)
At 50% fit, he did more than expected. Great attitude and scored.