West Nile basks in miracle win against Uganda Cranes

By Sabiiti Muwanga in Arua

The West Nile region's triumph over the Uganda Cranes in the national team's tour of the region on Saturday is a landmark victory, not only for the region but officials too.

Arua Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Peter Dibele said the victory will for long stay in the minds of the residents in the region and his, particularly as RDC at the time.

"As RDC, this is a landmark victory for me. I have been made to understand that no region has been able to beat the Cranes on their tours so this victory is very precious," Dibele who was chief guest at the post match dinner hosted by sponsors Airtel and Nile Special, stated.

Fans climb trees to catch some of the action

A West Nile select team beat another select team of the Uganda Cranes 1-0 at the Greenlight stadium in Arua with Caeser Olega notching the only goal off a corner kick in the 70th minute.

Dibele applauded local soccer federation, FUFA, for ‘decentralising football. "The complaint has been that national team football has been limited to Kampala only. But the fact that the national team is now being exposed to all fans in the country is testimony that you are on the right track," he told the gathering that had FUFA officials led by vice president Darius Mugoye.

Dibele, a self-confessed KCCA FC and Man United fan, cautioned players not to ‘run down' the God given talent. "Not everybody can do what you are doing. It is God given and you must not run it down."

Arua town was thrown into frenzy after the victory with residents ululating, chanting and blowing whistles within the town and suburbs. The night clubs were filled to capacity and they dance till the wee hours of Sunday.

 West Nile supporters at the game

Mugoye explained that the purpose of the regional tours of the Cranes was not about winning. "The Cranes is a national team that belongs to everybody. Our purpose is to have the fans get as close to their team as possible and also to spot talent from the various regions. Following today's game I believe the tour has served the purpose," he observed.

On his part, national coach Multin "Micho" Sredojević observed that the talent in West Nile is not optimally utilised. "From what I have witnessed today, West Nile does not just deserve two teams playing in the Big League. They should have a team playing in the AZAM Uganda Super League," the coach noted, with a prayer that at least one of the teams can make it to the top flight league and stay there.

 Guests and officials during the team inspection ceremony shortly before kickoff

James Odong, speaking on behalf of Airtel Managing Director, pledged the company's continued support to the Cranes in particular and the development of sport in the country in general.

Micho is due to summon 30 players tomorrow to start preparing for back to back Africa Cup of Nations qualifier ties against Burkina Faso on March 26 and March 29. The squad will then be trimmed to the final 25 next Monday.