Djoliba is crestfallen after topple of Mali president

By Swalley Kenyi

CAF Champions League

Frist round, Saturday

URA v Djoliba 

URA FC opponents for Saturday’s CAF Champions League match Mali's Djoliba AC cannot ignore the political turmoil in Bamako to concentrate on the game at Namboole.

The country's army officers toppled President Amadou Toure’s government on Thursday and suspended the constitution over the way the state was handling a Touareg rebellion in northern Mali.  

Following the coup, there have been reports of armed people looting in the city Bamako and this has reportedly upset the Djoliba players who have left their families and relatives in Bamako.

Efforts to talk to Djoliba team officials about the mood in their camp yielded little, the Ugandan team guide Sulait Muwonge said that it is somber.

“They mood is really down. The officials are trying to give the players limited information but it is creating curiosity,” the guide said.

URA has promised to rely on their experienced players to ensure that the return the uncertain return leg in Bamako is a formality.

But URA coach Alex Isabirye was cagey about his starting line-up although he was bold enough to point out that experienced defender Sam Mubiru would be key in stopping the Malians.

“We shall have to take full advantage of (Sam) Mubiru’s experience. He is a good player and has a good ball judgment,” Isabirye explained.

Mubiru is expected to be partner Sam Senkoomi in central defence, as Simeon Masaba and Lawrence Segawa complete the backline.

“A united team means a lot to us. We are focusing on that to down Djoliba. We are looking at the team members supporting one another other in defense and up front,” said Isabirye after the morning training at Namboole.

Isabirye observed that though the Malians have towering strikers, they generally play a passing game, but was confident his midfield was well drilled to counter the visitors. He expressed confidence that his side will carry the day.

“The good thing is that we are creating a lot of chances in our game which we have to utilise and turn them to goals.”