We need to keep cool heads - Byekwaso

By Fred Kaweesi in Lumumbashi

CAF Confederations Cup

Don Bosco v SCVU (Saturday)

IF Uganda’s CAF Confederations Cup representatives SCVU falter during their first leg fixture against DR Congo side Don Bosco tomorrow, it will have nothing to do with foul play.

At least as of today, their Congolese guests have proved good hosts so far.

The Uganda Cup champions did not only spend reasonable time clearing at the airport, the 30-man Ugandan contingent has also been booked in a four-star Grand Karavia Hotel.

Approximately 30 minutes after arrival, the team embarked on a 10km-drive to Karavia Hotel and were expected to negotiate the same distance to Stade TP Mazembe for their afternoon session. 

They will have a feel of the artificial pitch at 4pm, where coach Morley Byekwaso will try his preferred match formation and strategy for the last time.

“We are ready. All we have to do is stretch and feel the pitch. The boys want to do well and the weather might play a part too,” he pointed.

To those that are superstitious, the sudden change of weather as soon as the SCVU team landed could have indicating blessings.

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The players board a bus to the team hotel in rainy conditions at Lubumbashi Airport.

“It had not rained since I arrived on Wednesday. The temperatures had been high since. This could imply something,” the team’s leader of delegation and advance party Ali Mwebe pointed.  

Although the hysteria building up throughout Lubumbashi in the build-up to the game is understandable, SCVU players have remained calm and collected.

Byekwaso told New Vision Sport that cool heads will be needed, along with giant hearts. 

The Cranes will be cheered on by approximately 90 Ugandans, including those that made the trip by road.

To represent Uganda is one thing, to achieve something for your country is another thing -on a completely different level. And for the current SCVU players to achieve something at a level that has only been reached for the first time is just enough motivation.

“If the weather stays this way, we should enjoy the game. It’s just fine,” SCVU midfielder Noah Kasule was heard communicating to a teammate on the way to the hotel.