Bobby sets sights on 2013 Nations Cup

By Abdallah Mubiru in Dar es Salaam

Coach Bobby Williamson has preferred to focus on the Cranes’ future after securing a 12th CECAFA title for the side in Tanzania.

Bobby tied up a third title of his reign as Cranes coach with a 3-2 penalty shootout win over Rwanda at Dar es Salaam International stadium on Saturday.  He immediately outlined his plan to steer the Cranes to the 2013 Nations Cup finals in South Africa as priority target.

“I believe we are a good team but we are yet to get lucky to qualify for Nations cup. As a coach, I am not going to take it easy just because we have won CECAFA. Hopefully this time round, we’ll assemble a better team in the Nations Cup qualifiers next year” said the Scot.

He was particularly impressed by some young players whom he considered as suitable options to strengthen cranes team.

“We have got some young players coming up like Henry Kalungi, Isaac I sinde, Emma Okwi, Mike Mutyaba and others.

“Next week I am travelling to UK to look at another young player called Davis Mugabi playing at Southampton. I would love to travel a lot to monitor other players like Crizestom Ntambi, Sadam Juma in Vietnam and others around the world but funding is a problem,” Bobby revealed.

The three-time winning coach of CECAFA urged all concerned parties to come on board if Cranes are to realize their goal.

“All people at home need to be Ugandans. There are people working against Cranes’ success and I think this is bad. I don’t think I have committed so many mistakes.

I am doing everything possible to see that we qualify for Nations Cup. That is my goal just like it would be to any Uganda,” Bobby remarked.

Cranes’ next fixtures will be a Nations cup qualifier against Congo Brazzaville.

Players’ reactions

Andy Mwesigwa: “I am happy to have won it as a captain for the third time in four years. This is my last CECAFA tournament. I need to give young ones a chance to express their potential”.

Simon Masaaba: “This win is a great motivation to the team ahead of the Congo Brazzaville game early next year. I’ll push on in the Cranes team whenever given a chance until we qualify for Nations cup”

Emma Okwi: “When the game went for penalties, I cursed myself why we allowed it to that level. I don’t fancy penalties because it is hard to predict the winner. The game can go in favour of either side. I am happy that we have finally won it”

Henry Kalungi: “I feel honored winning it on my first appearance. I salute my teammates, coaching staff and our fans”.

The return arrives at Entebbe Airport today (Sunday) evening aboard Air Uganda.