Rugby: Experts unhappy with shortlisted Cranes squad
Mar 17, 2012
Rugby experts were shocked when the 2012 Rugby Cranes provisional 34-man squad was named ahead of preparations for the mouthwatering international fixtures that kick off next month
By Johnson Were
Rugby experts were shocked when the 2012 Rugby Cranes provisional 34-man squad was named ahead of preparations for the mouthwatering international fixtures that kick off next month with the Elgon Cup minus the teenage stars.
The selectors threw out all the school boys that have shined in the league and opted for the experienced old guards despite their unsatisfying form in the league.
Sensational fullback Philip Wokorach, Alfred Bijik (Buffaloes), fly half Ivan Magomu, Eighth Marvin Odong (Pirates), Joseph Aredo (Kobs) were all left out of the national team squad, killing the building of a future national team.
“I’m very much disappointed that my peers have neglected the principal of continuity and our target for 2015 Rugby World Cup by throwing out not only the youth but promising and potential players,” a coach who preferred anonymity stated.
His concern was supported by another national team selector who said, “I can’t believe that the final list excludes the youngsters we recommended on the squad. We could have kept them on so that they train and jelly with experienced.”
Pirates’ fullback Paul Kabazi, winger Felix Lubega, lock Timothy Ddumba, Rhinos Martial Tchumcan and former Kobs’ Winger and fullback Allan Musoke are the new surprises on the squad.
“We lacked experienced players to take charge of the fullback and we had to sacrifice young stars like Philip Wokorach and Joseph Aredo who are not mature enough to handle international pressure given the time and tight fixture,” one of the national coach explained.
“We need to take them (youths) first through the Bamburi Super Series and a series of international friendlies to mature to such a competitive stage, “one of the coaches explained.
Kabazi last featured for the Rugby Cranes in 2009 due to tight academic schedule while Felix Lubega in 2008 due to an injury.
The only young stars on the squad are Kobs’ Justin Kimono and Heathens’ fly-half and kicker Jasper Ochen.
The squad: Anthony Kinene, Richard Barigye, Alex Mubiru,Jasper Ochen, Benon Kiiza, Bishop Onen, Felix Lubega, Dan Chanowira,Ambrose Kamanyire,Martial Tchumukhan,Ronald Musajja and Robert Seguya.
Others include: Byron Atubikire, Paul Kabazi, Chris Lubega, Denis Mugambe, Mathias Ochwo, Michael Wokorach, Romano Ogwal, Denis Mulo, Timothy Ddumba, Allan Musoke, Solomon Mawanda, Denis Etucket and Scot Olouch among others.
Rugby Cranes International fixtures
April 21
Uganda v Kenya –Elgon Cup
April 28
Kenya v Uganda Elgon Cup
June 12, 2012
Uganda v England Counties -Mbale RC
Uganda v Kenya (women) –Mbale RC
Other Internationals:
June 16, 2012
East Africa Tuskers v England Counties -Kampala
June 23, 2012
East Africa Tuskers v England counties -Nairobi