Micho hopes to win battle over Oloya
May 26, 2014
Micho Sredojevic is currently embroiled in a club v country dispute over the availability of three of his first team players for Saturday’s must-win fixture against Madagascar.
By Fred Kaweesi
Nations Cup qualifier Saturday, 4pm
Uganda v Madagascar
Ticket prices Stands: Sh20, 000
VIP: Sh50, 000 VVIP: Sh120,000
Micho Sredojevic is currently embroiled in a club v country dispute over the availability of three of his first team players for Saturday’s must-win fixture against Madagascar.
The Cranes tactician has spent the last seven days trying to negotiate with three foreign clubs over the release of Moses Oloya, Tony Mawejje and team captain Andrew Mwesigwa.
And as of yesterday, the Serbian was only sure of the availability of Mawejje as his Norwegian club Haugesund have no games this week. Mawejje, just like goal - keeper Denis Onyango and Oloya, missed the first leg due to club engagements.
Oloya’s club Binh Duong have a game on Saturday against Quang Ninh and the Vietnam League table leaders are hesitant to release one of their prized assets ahead of their vital fixture.
“I have spent the last days trying to negotiate with clubs for players. It has not been easy but I will continue trying,” Micho told New Vision.
“Mwesigwa has a game on Wednesday but he still needs to negotiate with the club because he has another game on Sunday,” he added.
The Nations Cup second and third round qualifying dates fall outside the FIFA calendar so neither local nor foreign clubs have to release players.
Kenya-based players Dan Sserunkuuma, Geoffrey Kizito and Khalid Aucho returned to Nairobi for mid-week games but are expected in country later today.
Onyango joined the Cranes and looked in fine form during practice yester - day. He is expected to start ahead of youngster Ismail Watenga who impressed in the first leg.
“I feel ready for the game. I am really enjoying the sessions,” Onyango said.
Among the key issues that Micho will try to review this week is the back- four that looked disjointed in the first leg. Centre half Isaac Isinde might be considered while Isaac Muleme will battle Joseph Ochaya for a place at left-back in the absence of the suspended Godfrey Walusimbi.
Micho will also review the four-man midfield that started against the Island outfit and decide who must give way for Mawejje.
Geoffrey Massa’s return in attack will offer Cranes that much-needed impetus to rup - ture the Madagascar defence that looked extremely solid. CAF appoints Egyptians Meanwhile; the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) has appointed Egyptian referees for the game.
FIFA referee Mohamed Farouk Muhamoud is the centre official. The 44 year-old is a financial accountant at the International Company of Food Industry in Egypt.
He officiated a Uganda’s World Cup qualifier against Liberia in Freetown last year. Mohamoud will be assisted by Ahamed Abou Elela and Ahamed Saha Hasaneen as first and second assistants respectively.
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