By Fred Kaweesi
in Guinea Bissau

THE time has come for Cranes to punch their weight. That moment has come for Bobby Williamson’s side to redeem the pride that has faded with every passing Nations Cup qualifying campaign.

The one thing about the 18 footballers here that will be assigned to plunder the country’s first win in West Africa is that they will walk onto the 3000-capacity Lino Correia Stadium itching to do well for their families, for their fans and their country.

“We got so many things wrong previously but not this time. The pitch is of course going to be a problem but we have done our home work,” Cranes coach Bobby Williamson stated.

Why is Williamson so confident
1. Good motivation in camp
For those that have been privileged to closely follow Bobby Williamson’s motivation tools since the team arrived in the Senegalese capital Dakar to Bissau, in the build-up to today’s game has been left in no doubt that Cranes will have the necessary fire power to go all the way.

2. Fashion knock-out
Clad in their glamorous grey suits, Bobby and team won admirers and were miles ahead of their opponents, who coincidentally used the same flight from Dakar to Bissau on their way home from their two-week training camp in Portugal.

3. Locals do not know their own players?
It must be said that although many Bissauans would love to see their poverty stricken country qualify for the finals, there is virtually no attachment between the fans and team.

4. No room for foul play
FUFA’s comprehensive foul-proof strategy to counter any foul play the hosts had planned to deploy has been effective.