Micho pleased to have Oloya available

By Fred Kaweesi

Nations Cup qualifier 

Uganda v Madagascar (Saturday, 4pm)

Cranes head coach Micho Sredojevic is a happy man.

But that feeling has come after a very challenging three-day period —one that saw him embroiled in a club v country dispute over the availability of three of his first team players ahead of tomorrow’s must-win fixture against Madagascar. 

As he awaits the arrival of the team captain Andrew Mwesigwa later today, the Serbian sounded pleased to have added Moses Oloya to the list of stars that had missed the 2-1 first leg defeat due to club commitments.

“It has not been an easy week for me. I have had to battle with the clubs for these players and I must say I am glad that I have managed to get almost all I wanted,” Micho told New Vision yesterday.

Cranes custodian Denis Onyango also missed the first leg due to engagements with his South Africa side Bidvest Wits. 

Oloya’s Vietnam club Binh Duong have a game tomorrow against Quang Ninh and the table leaders were hesitant to release one of their prized assets ahead of their vital fixture.

Over the years, Vincent Kayizzi had been the figure to choreograph Cranes’ attacking play on the right side of midfield.

In the last two years, Oloya has simply plugged into the same free-wheeling role. He is already being considered by Micho as the best creative player in the region at the moment, a player that appeals to several groups.

Those who put a premium on flair love his capacity for the unexpected.

“He is good with the first touch and can adjust to any system you want to play,” Micho pointed.

A fast and fi ne technician, Oloya operates from wide positions but also pops to devastating effect in more central positions behind the strikers. 

“I am relieved to have him,” he added. 

The Africa Cup of Nations second and third round qualifying dates fall outside the FIFA calendar so neither local nor foreign clubs have to release players.

Related stories

Uganda Cranes going for the attack

Cranes unveil new home kit ahead of Madagascar game

Uganda Cranes stumble in Madagascar