Rugby Cranes ready for Kenya test

 

Uganda v Kenya

 

 

There was a look of satisfaction on national coach Yayiro Kasasa’s face after Rugby Cranes last training session on Wednesday.

 

“We are set. Kenya shouldn’t be a problem if our team applies the points the technical team has been emphasizing in the past fortnight,” the tactician observed.

 

Top on the four coaches’ agenda has been shaping an efficient side capable of taking even half chances. “We want as little mistakes as possible. Our aim is to make the best of the first leg in order to ease our task in the Nairobi return leg.”

 

Team captain Mathias Ochwo is confident that his troops have evolved from that loose side that not only used to concede careless penalties, but was also poor at kicking.

 

“We are in shape. We are certainly winning the game. But what’s even more important will be how we win. We want a big margin,” said the towering lock at Kyadondo ground.

 

Uganda has only two overral victories (2003 and 2006) to show in the annual two-leg competition.

 

Uganda will be fielding quite an experienced side. Save for newcomers Ambrose Kamanyire, Dennis Mulo, Martial Tchumkam and Marvin Odong the rest of the players were in the team that beat Kenya in the last Kampala leg.

 

Kenya coach Michael “Tank” Otieno also has a fair mix of new entrants and seasoned guns. But the man who last year led Kenya to the CAR Cup last year is confident the hosts can be upset in their back yard.

 

Otieno said he has had lessons from last year’s Kampala leg when Kenya collapsed in the final quarter of the game. “That was poor game reading. I have a counter strategy this time.”

 

Kenya was leading 18-8 with 12 minutes left when wingers Justin Kimono, Lawrence Wakabi and full back Allan Musoke made tries and Anthony Kinene made three conversions, and a penalty for a 32-18 victory for the Cranes.

 

Rugby Cranes: B.Odong, A.Mubiru, O.Echulu, R.Ogwal, S.Ogwete, S.Oluoch,M.Ochwo, A.Olweny, A.Kinene, C.Lubanga, B.Onen, O.Kalyango, M.Wokorach, J.Kimono and B.Kiiza.

 

Kenya: J.Ng’ang’a (Cpt), S. Warui, D.Karani, W.K’Opondo, R.Mwenesi,D.Ekasi,B.Nyikuli,Lawrence Buyachi ,Eden Agero , Kenny Andola ,Kelvin Omiyo , Maurice Mbai, Nick Barasa, Vincent Mose, Chris Oduor.