Obua arrives, starts training

May 25, 2011

IF David Obua’s timely arrival in Kampala and determination to work extra hours during his private training is meant to prove something, then Cranes’ Nations Cup qualifying opponents Guinea Bissau could be in serious trouble.

By Fred Kaweesi and Norman Katende

June 4
Uganda v Guinea Bissau


IF David Obua’s timely arrival in Kampala and determination to work extra hours during his private training is meant to prove something, then Cranes’ Nations Cup qualifying opponents Guinea Bissau could be in serious trouble.

The lanky midfielder, who struck the all-important goal that helped Uganda to a crucial three points against West Africans in March, returned to the country on Monday and immediately embarked on a fitness regime that should prepare him adequately for the fixture next weekend.

“I decided to come early because this is a game we really want to win. I am doing gym work and personal training before joining the rest of the side this weekend,” Obua said yesterday.

Although Obua will continue to shoulder the team’s attacking burdens, he insisted that teamwork will equally be a significant factor if Cranes are to complete a double over Guinea Bissua and with it strengthen their prospects of making the finals in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon next year.

“People are always saying David but it is that team spirit that has seen us this far and the same spirit will see us advance,” Obua added.

Cranes need a leader
Cranes coach Bobby Williamson is already faced with a challenge of identifying the right figure that will partner Andrew Mwesigwa at the heart of the team’s defence in the absence of suspended team captain Ibrahim Sekagya.

Of course, it’s impossible to find a player that emulates Sekagya’s abilities, personality and overall contributions to the team.

As a result, the experienced legs of Obua, Nestroy Kizito, Mwesigwa and Simoen Masaba will be asked to lead from the front.

“To tell you the truth, we will miss the captain (Sekagya). He is the big man on the team and his leadership role has inspired many. He has united the team and we are proud of that,” Obua pointed out.

Mawejje survives
Cranes regroup this weekend for the fixture and should count themselves fortunate if Tony Mawejje does join the team.

Until yesterday, the Iceland-based midfielder’s travel plans were still unclear following a volcanic eruption in Iceland.

Iceland’s volcanic eruption has died down and is no longer spewing out ash, officials said on Wednesday and airlines began to get back to normal after cancelling about 1,000 flights in northern Europe.

European air traffic agency Eurocontrol said it expected the ash cloud would dissipate overnight.

University of Iceland geophysicist Pall Einarsson said it was unlikely, though not impossible, that the volcano would begin disgorging significant amounts of ash again.

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