I’ll do anything to thump Lesotho - Massa
Jun 05, 2007
UGANDA Cranes’ goal-minting machine Geoffrey Massa has pledged to pull all the necessary stops to ensure Uganda makes next year’s Nations Cup finals as group three winners. The 22-year-old’s scorching assurance is being cultivated from the belief that Uganda’s group rivals Nigeria would stru
Nations Cup qualifier
June 16
Lesotho v Uganda
Group Three top spot race
Uganda Cranes
Lesotho v Uganda June 16
Uganda v Niger Sept. 8
Nigeria
Niger v Nigeria June 16
Nigeria v Lesotho Sept. 8
UGANDA Cranes’ goal-minting machine Geoffrey Massa has pledged to pull all the necessary stops to ensure Uganda makes next year’s Nations Cup finals as group three winners.
The 22-year-old’s scorching assurance is being cultivated from the belief that Uganda’s group rivals Nigeria would struggle winning their remaining two qualifiers.
“I do not mind how we will get the goals but I will do anything to help Cranes win the group. Of course the Super Eagles have the advantage already but there is a good possibility that they will falter in Niger,†Massa, who turns out for Egyptian side El shams said yesterday.
Cranes will make Africa’s most prestigious competition as group winners if they gather maximum points against Lesotho, and Niger and the Super Eagles falter in two of their remaining fixtures against Niger or Lesotho.
The sense of euphoria and relief that has since embraced the Cranes squad since Saturday’s historic 2-1 win over Nigeria was high as they regrouped yesterday.
But Massa, the architect of the landmark result, warned: “What happened against Nigeria should be put aside. We have to seriously concentrate on the Lesotho game because we have to win and I am sure we will,†he added.
Cranes’ match-winner
Massa was in such irrepressible mood against the Super Eagles on Saturday, causing panic in the Super Eagles back-four that withered under the strain of his masterful performance.
He twice changed the tide of the explosive Nations Cup qualifier in an instant with two priceless penalty assists that helped Uganda to a 2-1 historic win over Nigeria.
Massa proved himself a player of such breathtaking pace, grace and power that he might make the difference to Cranes going all the way to Ghana.
He made many marvel at his performance. There was force – legitimately —energy to amaze. There was an eye for goal, and a cunning instinct to deceive on the run.
Cranes’ win also indicated that Uganda have rediscovered the ability to rise to the big occasion - a quality that will be important in the two forthcoming qualifiers.
Camp in Botswana
Soccer governing body FUFA have written to their counterpart association in Botswana requesting establish a training camp and hold an international friendly in the South Africa-based country next week.
“We will wait for their response otherwise we felt it would also be another way of repaying their previous trip to Kampala last year. The build up will also shape the team before the Lesotho game,†FUFA vice president technical Asuman Lubowa disclosed yesterday.
The friendly and weather in Botswana will consequently hand the Cranes contingency a rough idea of the nature of weather to expect from Botswana’s neighbour’s Lesotho.
Csaba focused
Cranes head coach Laszlo Csaba has challenged to charges to remain focused as last weekend’s win would count for nothing if his they falter in Lesotho.
“Beating Nigeria is not that easy. It was a great win to us but our focus is still on Ghana 2008. We are concentrating on winning away in Lesotho so that Ugandans celebrate again,†said Csaba at a cocktail party organised in their honour at Serena Hotel on Monday evening. MTN funded the cocktail.
“We have very good players and my dream is to see that they play professional football in Europe. They have enough talent excel in Europe.â€
Cranes vice captain Timothy Batabaire, said:
“Beating Nigeria was the beg-
inning of more things to come. As fans continue celebrating the win, We players are focussed to winning in Lesotho.†adds Norman Katende.
June 16
Lesotho v Uganda
Group Three top spot race
Uganda Cranes
Lesotho v Uganda June 16
Uganda v Niger Sept. 8
Nigeria
Niger v Nigeria June 16
Nigeria v Lesotho Sept. 8
UGANDA Cranes’ goal-minting machine Geoffrey Massa has pledged to pull all the necessary stops to ensure Uganda makes next year’s Nations Cup finals as group three winners.
The 22-year-old’s scorching assurance is being cultivated from the belief that Uganda’s group rivals Nigeria would struggle winning their remaining two qualifiers.
“I do not mind how we will get the goals but I will do anything to help Cranes win the group. Of course the Super Eagles have the advantage already but there is a good possibility that they will falter in Niger,†Massa, who turns out for Egyptian side El shams said yesterday.
Cranes will make Africa’s most prestigious competition as group winners if they gather maximum points against Lesotho, and Niger and the Super Eagles falter in two of their remaining fixtures against Niger or Lesotho.
The sense of euphoria and relief that has since embraced the Cranes squad since Saturday’s historic 2-1 win over Nigeria was high as they regrouped yesterday.
But Massa, the architect of the landmark result, warned: “What happened against Nigeria should be put aside. We have to seriously concentrate on the Lesotho game because we have to win and I am sure we will,†he added.
Cranes’ match-winner
Massa was in such irrepressible mood against the Super Eagles on Saturday, causing panic in the Super Eagles back-four that withered under the strain of his masterful performance.
He twice changed the tide of the explosive Nations Cup qualifier in an instant with two priceless penalty assists that helped Uganda to a 2-1 historic win over Nigeria.
Massa proved himself a player of such breathtaking pace, grace and power that he might make the difference to Cranes going all the way to Ghana.
He made many marvel at his performance. There was force – legitimately —energy to amaze. There was an eye for goal, and a cunning instinct to deceive on the run.
Cranes’ win also indicated that Uganda have rediscovered the ability to rise to the big occasion - a quality that will be important in the two forthcoming qualifiers.
Camp in Botswana
Soccer governing body FUFA have written to their counterpart association in Botswana requesting establish a training camp and hold an international friendly in the South Africa-based country next week.
“We will wait for their response otherwise we felt it would also be another way of repaying their previous trip to Kampala last year. The build up will also shape the team before the Lesotho game,†FUFA vice president technical Asuman Lubowa disclosed yesterday.
The friendly and weather in Botswana will consequently hand the Cranes contingency a rough idea of the nature of weather to expect from Botswana’s neighbour’s Lesotho.
Csaba focused
Cranes head coach Laszlo Csaba has challenged to charges to remain focused as last weekend’s win would count for nothing if his they falter in Lesotho.
“Beating Nigeria is not that easy. It was a great win to us but our focus is still on Ghana 2008. We are concentrating on winning away in Lesotho so that Ugandans celebrate again,†said Csaba at a cocktail party organised in their honour at Serena Hotel on Monday evening. MTN funded the cocktail.
“We have very good players and my dream is to see that they play professional football in Europe. They have enough talent excel in Europe.â€
Cranes vice captain Timothy Batabaire, said:
“Beating Nigeria was the beg-
inning of more things to come. As fans continue celebrating the win, We players are focussed to winning in Lesotho.†adds Norman Katende.