By James Bakama and Swalley Kenyi

Africa Nations Cup qualifier

February 29

Congo Brazzaville v Uganda

CRANES coach Bobby Williamson is praying that Ibrahim Sekagya rescinds his retirement from the national side with at least another year of service.

“It’s too early to convince him. But nothing is written on stone. He could change his mind,” noted the tactician who described the defender as an inspirational leader who had made a big contribution to the Cranes.

Sekagya got Uganda on the wrong foot on Monday when he announced that he was quitting the Cranes.

His decision, barely a week after a similar move by another defender Nestroy Kizito, came just nine days to Uganda’s opening qualifier for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations tournament.

On a promising note, FUFA Technical Director Asuman Lubowa said there are efforts to have Sekagya change his mind.

“There are people talking to him. Also remember that there have been many such cases that have made comebacks,” Lubowa, flanked by Williamson and Protocol Officer Boniface Oryema said at the weekly federation press conference.

Pele, Romario, Jurgen Klinsman and John Ddibya are just some of a very long list of legends who also hung up their boots only to make comebacks.

A 22 man Cranes squad, of the 18 that will travel on Monday, starts training at Namboole on Saturday.

An artificial turf ground and lack of knowledge about the hosts style of play, are some of the challenges that await the Cranes in Brazzaville. The Cranes will after Wednesday’s match have a build-up in Juba.

Cranes squad: D. Onyango, A. Dhaira, A. Kimera, S. Masaba,G. Walusimbe, A. Mwesigwa, H. Kavuma, I. Isinde, H. Kalungi, H. Wasswa, M. Oloya, P. Ochan, Tony Mawejje, K. Mutumba, D. Wagaluka, M. Serumaga, G. Massa, B. Umony, D. Guma, S. Bengo, G. Serunkuma, I. Kazibwe . M. Mude.