Tabaruka back from retirement
May 26, 2009
THE Rugby Cranes’ 2011 World Cup qualification campaign got a massive boost yesterday with the return from retirement of Brian Tabaruka and Brian Makalama. The two star players joined the national squad training for the first leg semifinal showdown ag
By Charles Mutebi and Johnson Were
THE Rugby Cranes’ 2011 World Cup qualification campaign got a massive boost yesterday with the return from retirement of Brian Tabaruka and Brian Makalama. The two star players joined the national squad training for the first leg semifinal showdown against Tunisia on June 13.
“To serve my country and lead a Ugandan triumph against another country is my pride. That is why I’m back,†Tabaruka, also captain of the Heathens, said. “I had to take a decision between staying at the club and or the national team.â€
Loose-prop Makalama, who is the G4S Pirates and U-19 national team coach said he had come back to fill the gaps left by a national team hit by absentees and suspension.
Props Kenneth Mutabaruka, Tony Luggya, Timothy Mudoola, winger and full-back Allan Musoke and eighth-man Roger Rukundo, all of uganda telecom Kobs recently retired from national duty.
They cited tight academic and working schedules.
All Luggya stated in his resignation: “It’s a very hard decision to make but we all come to crossroads..., I will remain the Cranes biggest fan and always cherish the roller coaster moments we shared as a team.â€
Musoke now also plays basketball for D-Mark Power in the MTN/FUBA national basketball league.
In the team’s camp, coach Chester Williams has identified the small size of the park as a Cranes potential loophole.
The Tunisians are generally much bigger than their Ugandan counterparts and in rugby physical superiority counts for much.
“The park looks less physical than it was when I left yet the bigger the size of the park, the better the advantage in the scrum and contact,†said the tactician, who first coached Uganda three years ago.
Williams, a nippy winger and World Cup winner in his playing days, made the disclosure after leading his second training session since arriving on Sunday.
He nevertheless commended the team’s passing and skill levels, which he stressed have improved and could help Uganda off-set the lack of size against Tunisia. He explained: “The spirit, ball handling and skills is great and if we maintain that then we shall beat Tunisia.â€
Cranes host Tunisia on June 13 before heading to north Africa for the return leg in two weeks. They must win the tie to progress to the final where victory would take them to their maiden World Cup.
THE Rugby Cranes’ 2011 World Cup qualification campaign got a massive boost yesterday with the return from retirement of Brian Tabaruka and Brian Makalama. The two star players joined the national squad training for the first leg semifinal showdown against Tunisia on June 13.
“To serve my country and lead a Ugandan triumph against another country is my pride. That is why I’m back,†Tabaruka, also captain of the Heathens, said. “I had to take a decision between staying at the club and or the national team.â€
Loose-prop Makalama, who is the G4S Pirates and U-19 national team coach said he had come back to fill the gaps left by a national team hit by absentees and suspension.
Props Kenneth Mutabaruka, Tony Luggya, Timothy Mudoola, winger and full-back Allan Musoke and eighth-man Roger Rukundo, all of uganda telecom Kobs recently retired from national duty.
They cited tight academic and working schedules.
All Luggya stated in his resignation: “It’s a very hard decision to make but we all come to crossroads..., I will remain the Cranes biggest fan and always cherish the roller coaster moments we shared as a team.â€
Musoke now also plays basketball for D-Mark Power in the MTN/FUBA national basketball league.
In the team’s camp, coach Chester Williams has identified the small size of the park as a Cranes potential loophole.
The Tunisians are generally much bigger than their Ugandan counterparts and in rugby physical superiority counts for much.
“The park looks less physical than it was when I left yet the bigger the size of the park, the better the advantage in the scrum and contact,†said the tactician, who first coached Uganda three years ago.
Williams, a nippy winger and World Cup winner in his playing days, made the disclosure after leading his second training session since arriving on Sunday.
He nevertheless commended the team’s passing and skill levels, which he stressed have improved and could help Uganda off-set the lack of size against Tunisia. He explained: “The spirit, ball handling and skills is great and if we maintain that then we shall beat Tunisia.â€
Cranes host Tunisia on June 13 before heading to north Africa for the return leg in two weeks. They must win the tie to progress to the final where victory would take them to their maiden World Cup.