Game, MTN boost Cranes as Batabaire arrives
Sep 29, 2004
DEFENDER Timothy Batabaire finally set foot in the country yesterday to alleviate Cranes’ defensive concerns ahead of next week’s crunch 2006 World Cup qualifier against South Africa.
By Fred Kaweesi and Joseph Opio
Cranes v South Africa
October 10, Namboole
DEFENDER Timothy Batabaire finally set foot in the country yesterday to alleviate Cranes’ defensive concerns ahead of next week’s crunch 2006 World Cup qualifier against South Africa.
“Am happy to be back and ready for the qualifier,†Batabaire said. Batabaire is fresh from professional trials at South Africa Premier League side Bloemfontein Celtics.
Other professionals Ibrahim Sekagya, Nestroy Kizito and Phillip Ssozi arrive on Sunday.
Cranes’ Egyptian coach Mohammed Abbas has been anxious about the composition of his defence as much as his striking line-up that is still blunt.
Abbas tested a new attacking pair in their friendly game against SC Villa that ended 0-0 on Tuesday.
Apart from the contributions from the new attacking pair of Assani Bajope and David Obua, Abbas was encouraged by the bright movement of Hakim Magumba, Israel Emuge’s potential at centre half, Morley Byekwaso’s midfield holding ability and the work ethic of Simeon Masaba.
Abbas, who has dropped David Kiwanuka, Edward Ssali, Hamza Muwonge, Moses Lule, Tom Semwogerere and Sebastian Samanya, tests his side against Express on Saturday.
Cranes must beat Bafana Bafana to raise their chances of making it to Egypt for the 2006 Nations Cup and the World Cup in Germany.
Government’s effort to court South African sponsorship for Cranes’ showdown against Bafana Bafana has reaped more dividends with shopping giants Game joining the fray.
Game manager Rughoonam Treethum, alongside National Council of Sports (NCS) secretary, Jasper Aligawesa visited the Cranes camp yesterday with morale-boosting promises of sponsorship.
Game join MTN, Bukoto-based ‘Friends of Cranes’, Stanhope, Cairo Bank and Rwenzori Mineral Water who have undertaken to supply Cranes during the 15-day duration of the residential camp.
Treethum pledged a huge congratulatory prize if they conquer South Africa in the World Cup qualifier at Namboole.
“The challenge has been put to them. If they win against South Africa, the whole squad will get a huge token of appreciation from Game stores. This is our way of showing that we support the Cranes’ ambitions and an incentive for the team to beat their opponents,†Treethum said.
He promised to unveil Game’s winning inducement and entire sponsorship package this Saturday when Cranes visit the firm’s Lugogo shopping complex for a guided tour.
Treethum further disclosed Game’s plan to buy tickets for the match that will be given out free to lucky Cranes fans so as to ensure maximum support for the home side.
Game will be emulating telecommunications giants MTN, that has already bought 3,000 match tickets that soccer fans are winning by answering football trivia on radio.
Cranes v South Africa
October 10, Namboole
DEFENDER Timothy Batabaire finally set foot in the country yesterday to alleviate Cranes’ defensive concerns ahead of next week’s crunch 2006 World Cup qualifier against South Africa.
“Am happy to be back and ready for the qualifier,†Batabaire said. Batabaire is fresh from professional trials at South Africa Premier League side Bloemfontein Celtics.
Other professionals Ibrahim Sekagya, Nestroy Kizito and Phillip Ssozi arrive on Sunday.
Cranes’ Egyptian coach Mohammed Abbas has been anxious about the composition of his defence as much as his striking line-up that is still blunt.
Abbas tested a new attacking pair in their friendly game against SC Villa that ended 0-0 on Tuesday.
Apart from the contributions from the new attacking pair of Assani Bajope and David Obua, Abbas was encouraged by the bright movement of Hakim Magumba, Israel Emuge’s potential at centre half, Morley Byekwaso’s midfield holding ability and the work ethic of Simeon Masaba.
Abbas, who has dropped David Kiwanuka, Edward Ssali, Hamza Muwonge, Moses Lule, Tom Semwogerere and Sebastian Samanya, tests his side against Express on Saturday.
Cranes must beat Bafana Bafana to raise their chances of making it to Egypt for the 2006 Nations Cup and the World Cup in Germany.
Game manager Rughoonam Treethum, alongside National Council of Sports (NCS) secretary, Jasper Aligawesa visited the Cranes camp yesterday with morale-boosting promises of sponsorship.
Game join MTN, Bukoto-based ‘Friends of Cranes’, Stanhope, Cairo Bank and Rwenzori Mineral Water who have undertaken to supply Cranes during the 15-day duration of the residential camp.
Treethum pledged a huge congratulatory prize if they conquer South Africa in the World Cup qualifier at Namboole.
“The challenge has been put to them. If they win against South Africa, the whole squad will get a huge token of appreciation from Game stores. This is our way of showing that we support the Cranes’ ambitions and an incentive for the team to beat their opponents,†Treethum said.
He promised to unveil Game’s winning inducement and entire sponsorship package this Saturday when Cranes visit the firm’s Lugogo shopping complex for a guided tour.
Treethum further disclosed Game’s plan to buy tickets for the match that will be given out free to lucky Cranes fans so as to ensure maximum support for the home side.
Game will be emulating telecommunications giants MTN, that has already bought 3,000 match tickets that soccer fans are winning by answering football trivia on radio.