Rugby Cranes determined to win Elgon Cup
Jul 12, 2014
Rugby Cranes team captain has urged his players to put aside the Confederation of Africa Rugby Cup memories and focus on Saturday''s Elgon Cup tie.
By Johnson Were
Elgon Cup fixtures
July 12, Kyadondo Rugby Club
Uganda v Kenya (U-19), 12:00pm
Uganda v Kenya (Women), 2:00pm
Uganda v Kenya (Senior Men), 4:00pm
Rugby Cranes team captain has urged his charges to put aside the Confederation of Africa Rugby Cup memories and focus on Saturday's Elgon Cup tie.
Brian Odongo made the appeal in an interview with the New Vision Friday saying that the team owes the nation a lot and they must deliver.
"We know the country demands a lot from us and its high time we pay them back," Odongo stated.
"Yes we are aware that they are ranked higher than us and may come as favourites but this is our home ground and victory belongs to us," Odongo stated with confidence.
Uganda is ranked 57 on the IRB rankings, twenty seven steps below Kenya (33) after falling two steps from 31st position last week.
Uganda's U-19 will open the day with their Kenya counterparts, before the women game in the battle for Migingo Island. Uganda holds the trophy.
Coach Peter Magona recalled centre Michael Tamale, and fly-half Chris Lubanga to replace Michael Wokorach and Jasper Ochen respectively that are out with the national sevens team in the Commonwealth Games.
The Rugby Cranes will be out to avenge last year's 19-13 defeat at the same venue in the Elgon Cup.
Sheraton Sh50m boost
The team was boosted by the sh50m sponsorship boost by Sheraton hotel that will see the squad stay in the five star Hotel for a week.
Sheraton package includes accommodation for both Uganda and Kenya and gym facilities for the Uganda team till the end of the tournament.
“This is timely support and the team is determined. The performance of the team also depends on a relaxed mind and accommodation in such a five star hotel boosts the teams morale more,” Magona stated.
Sheraton hotel director of finance, John Bograkos said that Sheraton's support is a commitment the hotel has towards sports development.
“We are proud to be associated with Uganda rugby and Elgon cup in particular because this platform gives us the avenue to make an impact in society,” Bograkos stated.
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