Watch out, Csaba tells Rwandans

Nov 29, 2006

UGANDA Cranes coach Laszlo Csaba expects a physical display from bitter rivals Rwanda in today’s encounter and has a remedy for it.

By Douglas Mazune
in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Zanzibar 0 Burundi 0
Ethiopia 4 Djibouti 0
Burundi thru’ to quarters
Today
Somalia v Sudan 4:00pm
Uganda v Rwanda 6:00pm
(Live on UBC TV)
Tomorrow:
Tanzania v Djibouti 4.00pm
Ethiopia v Malawi 6:00pm

UGANDA Cranes coach Laszlo Csaba expects a physical display from bitter rivals Rwanda in today’s encounter and has a remedy for it.

Csaba has warned that Rwanda’s drab show in their 3-0 CECAFA Al Moudi Senior Challenge Cup win over perpetual losers Somalia was deceptive.

“They played a lousy game because the opposition was weak. When they face us they are definitely going to be very aggressive. They know we are a strong team and they don’t want to lose to us. We are going to be tactical and play with power as usual,” Csaba commented.

Csaba said his team is mentally ready for the challenge that lies ahead.

“There is no Zidane in the Rwanda team. The rivalry is just in the minds of people but we are going to approach Rwanda like any other opponent. Remember, we take every match seriously because we are not here on holiday,” he added.

The Hungarian tactician, whose team’s flair against Sudan has been greatly complimented, has kept his unpredictable line-up close to his chest.

“In the Sudan game, I brought in people from the bench and they also played very well. Geoffrey Sserunkuuma even scored.

Everybody in the team is good enough to start,” he remarked.

Sserunkuuma will be out to increase his tally as he vies for the top-scorers’ accolade.

Cranes solid rear-guard in Simeon Masaba, Lawrence Segawa (left), Hassan Wasswa and Richard Malinga will shield custodian Hannington Kalyesubula from Rwanda’s burly forwards Abed Mulenda and Robert Ujeneza.

Rwanda’s German coach Michael Nees said he was conversant with the Cranes style.

“We know Uganda’s strong and weak points. We will try to capitalise on the weaknesses.

There’s no doubt Uganda played well against Sudan especially in the second half. We respect, but we don't fear them.

“I am satisfied with the fitness of my players and we are ready for Uganda. It’s going to be a 50-50 game. Being the second match of the tournament, my players will find their rhythm,” Nees said.

Meanwhile, Ethiopia made up for their defeat to Tanzania with a 4-0 spanking of Djibouti Tuesday.

Tesfaye Tafesa, Ballu Demeka and Bizuneh Warky scored for the hosts, rekindling their chances of making the quarter-finals.

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