Yemen is Cranes’ next destination
Nov 01, 2010
UGANDA’S build-up against Yemen on Sunday should present Bobby Williamson with yet another perfect opportunity of resolving the team’s away-match phobia and assembling a decent side for the CECAFA and CHAN Championships.
By Fred Kaweesi
UGANDA’S build-up against Yemen on Sunday should present Bobby Williamson with yet another perfect opportunity of resolving the team’s away-match phobia and assembling a decent side for the CECAFA and CHAN Championships.
In the run up to the friendly against Sudan last year, the Scot’s big concern was designing a strategy that would help Uganda halt the winless run on the road – a test that his Cranes passed.
However, the team later collapsed to defeats against Ghana (2-1) in Accra and Kenya (2-1) in the second leg of their CHAN qualifiers – an indication that there is still work to be done particularly on the mental side.
Williamson returns from holiday today to guide a largely local based 22-man team in sessions at Njeru Training Centre ahead of the friendly that should also help him improve his players’ tactical discipline ahead of the regional and challenging CHAN tournament in Sudan next year. The trip has been organised by the Yemen football federation.
Yemen are ranked 117 in the World FIFA rankings.
Are Cranes safe in Yemen?
Yemen, the poorest country in the Middle East, has over the years gained a reputation as a haven for al-Qaeda terrorists. Towards the end of 2009, the country came under the spotlight after crackdowns on al-Qaeda-linked militancy in Afghanistan and Pakistan raised fears that it was becoming a key training centre for militants.
But Cranes team manager Crispus Muyinda allayed any fears. “There should not be problems. We are not really worried of any troubles. I have spoken to friends in Yemen and they tell me the insurgencies are out of town,†Muyinda stated.
Sekagya recovers
Ibrahim Sekagya completed recovery in a record two weeks to guide Red Bulls Salzburg to a vital 1-1 draw against Rapid Vienna.
It was feared that Sekagya, who had suffered an abductor injury two weeks ago, would be out for at least a month. He responded well to treatment and had 90 minutes against Vienna.
“We have some of the best physiotherapists. There are important games ahead and they did well in getting me ready,†Sekagya stated.
Team to Yemen: R. Odongkara, H. Muwonge, S. Masaba, G. Walusimbi, I.Isinde, M. Doka, J. Mukubya, M. Kaweesa, T. Odur, O. Kasule, M. Sserumaga, H. Kisekka, P. Edema, S. Bengo, D. Wagaluka, H. Kavuma, D. Walulya, S. Matovu, C. Ntambi, M. Mutyaba, N. Ssemakula and B. Olobo
UGANDA’S build-up against Yemen on Sunday should present Bobby Williamson with yet another perfect opportunity of resolving the team’s away-match phobia and assembling a decent side for the CECAFA and CHAN Championships.
In the run up to the friendly against Sudan last year, the Scot’s big concern was designing a strategy that would help Uganda halt the winless run on the road – a test that his Cranes passed.
However, the team later collapsed to defeats against Ghana (2-1) in Accra and Kenya (2-1) in the second leg of their CHAN qualifiers – an indication that there is still work to be done particularly on the mental side.
Williamson returns from holiday today to guide a largely local based 22-man team in sessions at Njeru Training Centre ahead of the friendly that should also help him improve his players’ tactical discipline ahead of the regional and challenging CHAN tournament in Sudan next year. The trip has been organised by the Yemen football federation.
Yemen are ranked 117 in the World FIFA rankings.
Are Cranes safe in Yemen?
Yemen, the poorest country in the Middle East, has over the years gained a reputation as a haven for al-Qaeda terrorists. Towards the end of 2009, the country came under the spotlight after crackdowns on al-Qaeda-linked militancy in Afghanistan and Pakistan raised fears that it was becoming a key training centre for militants.
But Cranes team manager Crispus Muyinda allayed any fears. “There should not be problems. We are not really worried of any troubles. I have spoken to friends in Yemen and they tell me the insurgencies are out of town,†Muyinda stated.
Sekagya recovers
Ibrahim Sekagya completed recovery in a record two weeks to guide Red Bulls Salzburg to a vital 1-1 draw against Rapid Vienna.
It was feared that Sekagya, who had suffered an abductor injury two weeks ago, would be out for at least a month. He responded well to treatment and had 90 minutes against Vienna.
“We have some of the best physiotherapists. There are important games ahead and they did well in getting me ready,†Sekagya stated.
Team to Yemen: R. Odongkara, H. Muwonge, S. Masaba, G. Walusimbi, I.Isinde, M. Doka, J. Mukubya, M. Kaweesa, T. Odur, O. Kasule, M. Sserumaga, H. Kisekka, P. Edema, S. Bengo, D. Wagaluka, H. Kavuma, D. Walulya, S. Matovu, C. Ntambi, M. Mutyaba, N. Ssemakula and B. Olobo