‘We can make it to Ghana 2008’
Jul 27, 2006
AFTER watching Cranes play for the first time in their 1-1 draw against Rwanda, coach Laszlo Csaba is convinced more than ever before that Uganda will feature at Ghana 2008.
By Fred Kaweesi
in Kigali
Rwanda 1 Uganda 1
August 5
Uganda v Botswana
August 16
Libya v Uganda
August 29
Uganda v Burkina Faso
Nations Cup qualifier
September 3
Uganda v Lesotho
AFTER watching Cranes play for the first time in their 1-1 draw against Rwanda, coach Laszlo Csaba is convinced more than ever before that Uganda will feature at Ghana 2008.
“From what I saw, this side has got a bright future. I am sure about that,†Csaba stressed.
The Nations Cup campaign starts in September and in a sign of seriousness by the FUFA executive, four build-up matches have been earmarked to prepare the national soccer team.
The Cranes tactician, who saw his draft side with a couple of inexperienced players deservedly hold the Amavubi at Nyamirambo stadium, drew encouragement from the contribution of individuals in all departments.
It was a slightly disappointing friendly but one that Csaba took plenty of heart from. He also had a look at possible plans B and C.
“You identify weaknesses and correct them. We came back strong later in the second half after the changes and got the goal,†he pointed out.
After a dull first half, Csaba was encouraged by the bright movement of Hakim Magumba, Dan Wagaluka and Hassan Wasswa’s potential at centre-half.
He also noted Johnson Bagoole and Mike Sserumaga’s inadequacies in the midfield holding role and left wing positions respectively.
It was the second half that brought greater reward for Csaba despite seeing his side go down to Amavubi’s Andre Lomami header.
But, inevitably, Cranes’ perfection at set-pieces during training paid off, when Geoffrey Sserunkuuma converted Simeon Masaba’s well-weighted corner from a goal-mouth scramble.
Csaba’s eye had meanwhile been drawn to the lively runs of Magumba. Every minute the Villa midfielder spent fitting into the side’s problematic creative role was time well spent.
Magumba had not played for Cranes since October 2005 against South Africa.
If Cranes are to prosper in the Ghana 2008 qualifiers, dress rehearsals such as this against Botswana, Libya and Burkina Faso will prove hugely significant, the coach stated.
In all, Sserunkuuma’s instinctive nature, Wasswa’s alertness, a fully-fit Magumba and Bongole’s commitment to the cause showed the four might have their sealed places come September 3.
Cranes will re-assemble on Monday at Namboole stadium to prepare for the Botswana friendly.
Csaba will, when the qualifiers start, have all the professionals led by David Obua in South Africa and Serbian-based Nestroy Kizito. Rwanda-based Abubaker Tabula and Vincent Kayizzi returned to Kampala hoping to impress the coach.
Cranes starting line-up:
H.Kalyesuubula (capt), R.Malinga, R.Kabanda, H.Wasswa, S.Mutumba, J.Bagoole, D.Wagaluka, P.Ochan, G.Sserunkuuma, H.Magumba and M.Sserumaga.
in Kigali
Rwanda 1 Uganda 1
August 5
Uganda v Botswana
August 16
Libya v Uganda
August 29
Uganda v Burkina Faso
Nations Cup qualifier
September 3
Uganda v Lesotho
AFTER watching Cranes play for the first time in their 1-1 draw against Rwanda, coach Laszlo Csaba is convinced more than ever before that Uganda will feature at Ghana 2008.
“From what I saw, this side has got a bright future. I am sure about that,†Csaba stressed.
The Nations Cup campaign starts in September and in a sign of seriousness by the FUFA executive, four build-up matches have been earmarked to prepare the national soccer team.
The Cranes tactician, who saw his draft side with a couple of inexperienced players deservedly hold the Amavubi at Nyamirambo stadium, drew encouragement from the contribution of individuals in all departments.
It was a slightly disappointing friendly but one that Csaba took plenty of heart from. He also had a look at possible plans B and C.
“You identify weaknesses and correct them. We came back strong later in the second half after the changes and got the goal,†he pointed out.
After a dull first half, Csaba was encouraged by the bright movement of Hakim Magumba, Dan Wagaluka and Hassan Wasswa’s potential at centre-half.
He also noted Johnson Bagoole and Mike Sserumaga’s inadequacies in the midfield holding role and left wing positions respectively.
It was the second half that brought greater reward for Csaba despite seeing his side go down to Amavubi’s Andre Lomami header.
But, inevitably, Cranes’ perfection at set-pieces during training paid off, when Geoffrey Sserunkuuma converted Simeon Masaba’s well-weighted corner from a goal-mouth scramble.
Csaba’s eye had meanwhile been drawn to the lively runs of Magumba. Every minute the Villa midfielder spent fitting into the side’s problematic creative role was time well spent.
Magumba had not played for Cranes since October 2005 against South Africa.
If Cranes are to prosper in the Ghana 2008 qualifiers, dress rehearsals such as this against Botswana, Libya and Burkina Faso will prove hugely significant, the coach stated.
In all, Sserunkuuma’s instinctive nature, Wasswa’s alertness, a fully-fit Magumba and Bongole’s commitment to the cause showed the four might have their sealed places come September 3.
Cranes will re-assemble on Monday at Namboole stadium to prepare for the Botswana friendly.
Csaba will, when the qualifiers start, have all the professionals led by David Obua in South Africa and Serbian-based Nestroy Kizito. Rwanda-based Abubaker Tabula and Vincent Kayizzi returned to Kampala hoping to impress the coach.
Cranes starting line-up:
H.Kalyesuubula (capt), R.Malinga, R.Kabanda, H.Wasswa, S.Mutumba, J.Bagoole, D.Wagaluka, P.Ochan, G.Sserunkuuma, H.Magumba and M.Sserumaga.