FUFA sticks to saturday
Aug 21, 2007
PREPARATIONS off the pitch for Uganda’s game against Niger are too advanced to be pushed 24 hours ahead, soccer governing body FUFA ruled yesterday.<br>National coach Laszlo Csaba had for “tactical reasons†asked that the game be played on Sunday, September 9 under floodlights.
By Fred Kaweesi
Nations Cup qualifier
September 8, SS3
Uganda v Niger
PREPARATIONS off the pitch for Uganda’s game against Niger are too advanced to be pushed 24 hours ahead, soccer governing body FUFA ruled yesterday.
National coach Laszlo Csaba had for “tactical reasons†asked that the game be played on Sunday, September 9 under floodlights.
“We have decided to stick to Saturday because there are complications involved in pushing the game to Sunday that we might all end up regretting,†said FUFA vice president Asuman Lubowa.
Lubowa argued that they had already confirmed the kick-off date with Niger and continental governing body CAF. MultiChoice intends to telecast the game on its SuperSport channel while tickets are also already on sale.
“There are agreements that were done and usually such companies plan in advance,†Lubowa hinted.
“Besides, remember, a lot has been spent on adverts that are already running. Any change would confuse our fans.â€
Csaba had on Monday asked for the game to be pushed from 4.30pm Saturday to 7.30pm Sunday after other teams had finished playing, to enable his team lay a strategy for qualification.
Csaba argued that his charges would excel playing under the floodlights which the Niger team are not used to.
Cranes are looking for a good goal-harvest to make it to Africa’s top soccer competition for the first time since 1978.
After training yesterday, Csaba could not hide his delight at the form of custodian Hannington Kalyesubuula.
The Ethiopian-based goalkeeper, who joined camp on Monday, is being tipped as a replacement for injured Dennis Onyango.
“He is impressive. Posnet Omwony isn’t a bad keeper but the problem with him is he drops the ball so often,†said Csaba.
Meanwhile, Cranes has started receiving pledges. Tycoon Mike Ezra has promised the entire team a whopping $100,000 (sh171m) if they make it to Ghana 2008.
* FIFA assistant referee Ali Tomusange will be among a selected group of referees that will undergo a CAF fitness test in Dar es Salaam this weekend ahead of the Nations Cup finals, reports Norman Katende and Reuben Olita.
Tomusange officiated at the 2002 World Cup and 2004 Cup of Nations finals.
In Burundi, Uganda’s U-17 team thrashed Kenya 5-1 yesterday to storm the CECAFA championships semi-finals due Saturday.
Nations Cup qualifier
September 8, SS3
Uganda v Niger
PREPARATIONS off the pitch for Uganda’s game against Niger are too advanced to be pushed 24 hours ahead, soccer governing body FUFA ruled yesterday.
National coach Laszlo Csaba had for “tactical reasons†asked that the game be played on Sunday, September 9 under floodlights.
“We have decided to stick to Saturday because there are complications involved in pushing the game to Sunday that we might all end up regretting,†said FUFA vice president Asuman Lubowa.
Lubowa argued that they had already confirmed the kick-off date with Niger and continental governing body CAF. MultiChoice intends to telecast the game on its SuperSport channel while tickets are also already on sale.
“There are agreements that were done and usually such companies plan in advance,†Lubowa hinted.
“Besides, remember, a lot has been spent on adverts that are already running. Any change would confuse our fans.â€
Csaba had on Monday asked for the game to be pushed from 4.30pm Saturday to 7.30pm Sunday after other teams had finished playing, to enable his team lay a strategy for qualification.
Csaba argued that his charges would excel playing under the floodlights which the Niger team are not used to.
Cranes are looking for a good goal-harvest to make it to Africa’s top soccer competition for the first time since 1978.
After training yesterday, Csaba could not hide his delight at the form of custodian Hannington Kalyesubuula.
The Ethiopian-based goalkeeper, who joined camp on Monday, is being tipped as a replacement for injured Dennis Onyango.
“He is impressive. Posnet Omwony isn’t a bad keeper but the problem with him is he drops the ball so often,†said Csaba.
Meanwhile, Cranes has started receiving pledges. Tycoon Mike Ezra has promised the entire team a whopping $100,000 (sh171m) if they make it to Ghana 2008.
* FIFA assistant referee Ali Tomusange will be among a selected group of referees that will undergo a CAF fitness test in Dar es Salaam this weekend ahead of the Nations Cup finals, reports Norman Katende and Reuben Olita.
Tomusange officiated at the 2002 World Cup and 2004 Cup of Nations finals.
In Burundi, Uganda’s U-17 team thrashed Kenya 5-1 yesterday to storm the CECAFA championships semi-finals due Saturday.