Williamson rides popular wave in Jinja

Jan 05, 2009

COACH Bobby Williamson is very popular in Jinja. The Cranes tactician, whose side is based in Kampala, has religiously followed matches at Jinja’s Kyabazinga stadium where his arrival has always triggered off a standing ovation.

By James Bakama

COACH Bobby Williamson is very popular in Jinja. The Cranes tactician, whose side is based in Kampala, has religiously followed matches at Jinja’s Kyabazinga stadium where his arrival has always triggered off a standing ovation.

“Coach tukumatira. Kyokola Okitegera (We salute you coach. You’ve got things right),” fans told the Scot.

But Williamson, unsure of the kind of reaction he would get after drawing with Zanzibar, sneaked into the stadium through another entrance on Sunday.

His assistants Sam Ssimbwa and Jackson Mayanja however came in via the main gate attracting usual cheers –– a reaction that had Williamson sighing with relief.

As the Ugandans cheered Williamson, their Rwanda, Sudan and Somalia counterparts seem to have been into more serious mobilisation.

Nationals from the three countries could pose a serious threat to the hosts in drumming up support for their national sides.

Somalia’s ambush of Tanzania had a lot to do with this fan mobilization. The sprawling Kisenyi slum, which not only has a strong Somali presence, but is also adjacent to Nakivubo stadium, all worked in Somalia’s favour.

At the Kyabazinga stadium, Sudanese fans came in big numbers and went a step further by paying locals to cheer the Nile Crocodiles. Meanwhile, Zambian player Given Sinkuluma will not only be remembered for his brace in Chipolopolo’s opening match, but also for the preferred Ugandan version of his name.

Bugembe fans prefer calling the stocky player Serunkuma. Interestingly, Sinkuluma seems not to be disturbed.

The striker is more focused on scoring goals.

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