Players must prove themselves - Micho

By Norman Katende

CRANES coach Micho Sredojevic has said that the national team is still united and all the players have been told that they have to fight for positions to make it on the national team for future engagements.

Micho, who was addressing a FUFA Press conference at Mengo on Wednesday in the aftermath of Uganda’s 1-0 loss to Senegal, said he was satisfied with the output of the players and their display in Morocco.

He said that he had personally spoken to all players after the match and “no one had shown discontent or threats of not returning to the team” as it had been portrayed earlier.

“I am extremely satisfied by the way we played. We were committed and dedicated. We showed that we could match the best teams on the continent,” said Micho.

Mujib Kasule, Moses Magogo and Rogers Mulindwa listen on as Micho puts his point across during the press conference. Photo by Mpalanyi Ssentongo

Micho explained that his plan was to see that he used a strong attacking force that would have been led by Martin Mutumba in the second half but after (Godfrey) Walusimbi’s red card, it was a matter of maintaining balance between defence and attack which left his plans in tatters.

Micho revealed he had spoken to Henry Kalungi about a move to Europe to play at a higher level and also revealed he would begin the next qualification campaign with a clean slate.

“This means that all the players have to improve on their performances if they are to be selected for the next games.”

Mujib Kasule the FUFA vice president in charge of the league also a member of the technical committee revealed the federation would embark on a programme to scout various foreign based players including Crystal Palace forward Ibrahim Sekajja with a view to integrate them into the Cranes setup.