Injured Odongo says ready to lead Rugby Cranes to victory

Jun 09, 2014

The national 15s Rugby Cranes team captain Brian Odongo says he is prepared to lead his men to victory, despite his foot injury, in a campaign to reclaim the continental elite slot.

By Johnson Were

Tuesday CAR Tier 1B fixtures
Uganda v Ivory Coast (4pm)
Tunisia v Senegal (6pm)


The national 15s Rugby Cranes team captain Brian Odongo says he is prepared to lead his men to victory, despite his foot injury, in a campaign to reclaim the continental elite slot.


Odongo told New Vision before the team left for Tunisia that his charges are ready and that the injury would not stop him from fighting for national pride.

“We are ready and my limping should not worry you,” he said.

“I am confident the doctor will fix this little pain in time, but I can assure you that, come Tuesday, I have to play the game.”

Uganda faces Ivory Coast in the semi-final of the CAR 1B on Tuesday and a win will set the Rugby Cranes  up for a Saturday tie against the winner between Tunisia and Senegal in the final.

But the national side will miss the services of flanker/lock Scot Oluoch and will be relieved with the news from team doctor Joseph Kalanzi that the two injured senior players they traveled with – former team captain Mathias Ochwo and Brian Odongo – will be fit for the game.

The Cranes was relegated last year to tier 1B after a 51-11 humiliating defeat by Kenya and 48-32 against Madagascar in the continental championship in Madagascar.

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Rugby Cranes coach Peter Magona takes the boys through training Kyadondo Rugby Club. PHOTO/Johnson Were

The traveling team

Forwards

Brian Odongo (Cpt), Paul Sserunjogi, Romano Ogwal (Vice Cpt), Timothy Kabonero, John William Wandicho, Brian Asaba, Eric Butime, Andrew Olweny,Mathias Ochwo,Syrus Watum ,Marvin Odong, Asuman Mugerwa, Martial Tchumkam and Arthur Mukama     

Backs

Oscar Kalyango, Micheal Wokorach Justin Kimono (2nd Vice Cpt), Jonathan Onen, Kevin Makmot, Davis Kiwalabye, Allan Otim, Jasper Ochen, Joseph Aredo and Lawrence Wakabi.  

Peter Magona (head coach), Herbert Wafula Team Manager, and Joseph Kalanzi (team doctor).

Bamburi Rugby Super Series final result
UAP Kifaru 15 Papa Nguvu 0

Man of the match
Rocky Aguko - Captain UAP Kifaru

International Trial result
Kenya 28 Western Province South Africa 32

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