Cranes coach spoilt for choice
Jun 01, 2011
WITH less than 24 hours before Cranes confront Guinea Bissau in Saturday’s Nations Cup qualifier, Bobby Williamson finds himself with a crisis any coach would rather have than not –an embarrassment of options within the team.
By FRED KAWEESI
WITH less than 24 hours before Cranes confront Guinea Bissau in Saturday’s Nations Cup qualifier, Bobby Williamson finds himself with a crisis any coach would rather have than not –an embarrassment of options within the team.
Although the absence of team captain Ibrahim Sekagya is such an immeasurable blow to the team, the Scot has plenty of riches elsewhere that could sadly end up in the terraces.
Yesterday, Williamson was impressed with the fitness levels of not just Tony Mawejje, Abbey Dhaira and Henry Kalungi, the trio that joined last, but the entire group competing for roles in the first team.
“I am really pleased with the desire and passion from all the guys here.
They are all patriotic and commited to the cause,†Williamson stated.
And yet, the Scot will still not be tempted in reshuffling the team that helped the Cranes to a memorable 1-0 win over Guinea Bissau in March.
Not even left-back Godfrey Walusimbi, who started in attacking role on the left side of midfield, might lose his place on the evidence of the team’s 11-aside work-outs yesterday.
Steven Bengo and Mike Mutyaba are the natural choices on the left but Williamson indicated in training that he might prefer Walusimbi.
Although, the Bunamwaya full-back is not as flamboyant as Bengo or Mutyaba, he offers the team a perfect counter-balance in attack and defence.
He is also a better crosser of the ball, an asset that the attacking pair of Geoffrey Massa and David Obua will try to utilize.
Joseph Kabagambe has done well so far but so has Vincent Kayizzi. Williamson will still stick with Tony Mawejje and Mudde Musa in the team’s creative and holding positions.
Wasswa in for Sekagya
How about the back-four? In Nestroy Kizito and Simeon Masaba, Cranes were already blessed with exceptional fullbacks, but who will start alongside Andrew Mwesigwa.
Williamson seems to have found his man in the shape of Wasswa ahead of Isaac Isinde and Henry Kalungi.
Isinde has gathered immeasurable experience competing in several international tournaments but not many are sure his 5ft 8 frame will out-muscle Guinea’s two 6ft-plus strikers Ceceiro Semedo and Miche Diorusio.
Although Wasswa has been re-assigned defensive midfield duties at Turkish club Altay, he has looked solid.
“I will choose from Wasswa, Isinde and Henry Kalungi,†he said.
At least the three have been privileged to work with Sekagya, who despite being suspended has spent days and nights with the team in camp.
“Sekagya is a great lad. He has shown passion and his experience will lift the rest,†Bobby added.
WITH less than 24 hours before Cranes confront Guinea Bissau in Saturday’s Nations Cup qualifier, Bobby Williamson finds himself with a crisis any coach would rather have than not –an embarrassment of options within the team.
Although the absence of team captain Ibrahim Sekagya is such an immeasurable blow to the team, the Scot has plenty of riches elsewhere that could sadly end up in the terraces.
Yesterday, Williamson was impressed with the fitness levels of not just Tony Mawejje, Abbey Dhaira and Henry Kalungi, the trio that joined last, but the entire group competing for roles in the first team.
“I am really pleased with the desire and passion from all the guys here.
They are all patriotic and commited to the cause,†Williamson stated.
And yet, the Scot will still not be tempted in reshuffling the team that helped the Cranes to a memorable 1-0 win over Guinea Bissau in March.
Not even left-back Godfrey Walusimbi, who started in attacking role on the left side of midfield, might lose his place on the evidence of the team’s 11-aside work-outs yesterday.
Steven Bengo and Mike Mutyaba are the natural choices on the left but Williamson indicated in training that he might prefer Walusimbi.
Although, the Bunamwaya full-back is not as flamboyant as Bengo or Mutyaba, he offers the team a perfect counter-balance in attack and defence.
He is also a better crosser of the ball, an asset that the attacking pair of Geoffrey Massa and David Obua will try to utilize.
Joseph Kabagambe has done well so far but so has Vincent Kayizzi. Williamson will still stick with Tony Mawejje and Mudde Musa in the team’s creative and holding positions.
Wasswa in for Sekagya
How about the back-four? In Nestroy Kizito and Simeon Masaba, Cranes were already blessed with exceptional fullbacks, but who will start alongside Andrew Mwesigwa.
Williamson seems to have found his man in the shape of Wasswa ahead of Isaac Isinde and Henry Kalungi.
Isinde has gathered immeasurable experience competing in several international tournaments but not many are sure his 5ft 8 frame will out-muscle Guinea’s two 6ft-plus strikers Ceceiro Semedo and Miche Diorusio.
Although Wasswa has been re-assigned defensive midfield duties at Turkish club Altay, he has looked solid.
“I will choose from Wasswa, Isinde and Henry Kalungi,†he said.
At least the three have been privileged to work with Sekagya, who despite being suspended has spent days and nights with the team in camp.
“Sekagya is a great lad. He has shown passion and his experience will lift the rest,†Bobby added.