Wafula optimistic ahead of Elgon Cup return leg

By Johnson Were

Elgon Cup

Senior Men

Uganda 21 Kenya 14 

U-19 Men

Uganda 15 Kenya 10 

Women

Uganda 15 Kenya 33

HERBERT Wafula who is coaching the Rugby Cranes backs coach is optimistic his charges can defend the seven point advantage secured after Saturday’s 21-14 win over Kenya in the Elgon Cup if they improve on their kicking.

The Rugby Cranes resumed training on Monday evening at Kyadondo Rugby Club, with the focus on improving the kicking which denied the team nine points that would have given Uganda an even bigger advantage to reclaim the trophy they surrendered last year.

In the absence of Jasper Ochen, who is with the national sevens team at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Bishop Onen, Kevin Makmot and Chris Lubanga who have stepped into the role must improve their kicking if the chances of Uganda reclaiming the Elgon Cup are to stay alive. 

Makmot and Onen were both at fault as Uganda failed to convert the four penalties won during the match that would have given Uganda 16-7 half time lead.

The team departs for Nairobi on Wednesday, with the return leg to be played on Saturday.

“We have no time to rest because we have got two days to address our weakness before we embark on the journey for the return leg,” Wafula told New Vision Sport.

Wafula added that they are not affected by changes to the Kenyan team that will make them stronger.

Uganda’s major concern is to prepare the team to be perfect in all departments, good in tackles, set pieces and kicking to collect any point available.

The team targets a repeat of 2012’s heroics when they won 19-5 at home and defended the twelve points lead in Kenya despite losing 12-0.

The Lady Rugby Cranes and the U-19 teams too resumed their training on Monday.

The Rugby Cranes is sponsored by Nile Special that has also sponsored over twenty four fans to travel to Nairobi for the away leg.