Geoffrey Massa doubtful for Olympics qualifier
Feb 01, 2007
UGANDA Kobs could make their 2008 Olympics qualifier against South Africa’s Amaglug-glug without Egypt-based forward Geoffrey Massa.
By Fred Kaweesi
Olympic qualifiers
February 7
South Africa v Uganda
UGANDA Kobs could make their 2008 Olympics qualifier against South Africa’s Amaglug-glug without Egypt-based forward Geoffrey Massa.
The El Eshams striker was asked by the club’s president, Yesi Mallah, to cancel his trip to Kampala on Wednesday night minutes after helping his club to a priceless away draw against Tesana.
“I can not promise that I will be available for the South Africa game. I was told by the club president minutes before my flight that we had to consider several things. I feel disappointed,†Massa said.
Mallah reportedly wants the Cranes ace available for the club’s make-or-break league engagements that involve Wednesday’s trip to Port Said-based El Masry. Kobs engage the Amaglug-glug on the same day.
“I hope something positive works out before Saturday,†he added.
The 21-year-old, who struck one and set up the other goal in El Sham’s midweek 2-2 draw, had been a significant figure in coach Lazslo Csaba’s plans.
Massa has since managed 15 league goals. El Shams are sixth on the table with 27 points in 17 matches.
His absence will thus prove fatal for a side, whose crisis in midfield already threatens to undermine what is expected to be a strong showing against the South Africans.
Owen Kasule’s performance for KCC FC in Tuesday’s low-profile friendly left Kobs’ technical staff contemplating his belated inclusion.
Augustine Nsumba, fielded as Kobs’ make-shift creative midfielder, was never the ideal choice. He thrives rolling off defenders and not running from deep.
The inclusion of URA FC’s Manko Kaweesa could help offer alternatives before the team departs on Sunday.
SC Villa’s Mike Azzira, whose ball-winning anticipation were misplaced and under-utilised at left-back in the friendly has since been shifted to occupy Hassan Wasswa’s place alongside Tom Ssemwogerere in central defence.
“I will continue experimenting through the next few days before the game,†Csaba said.
Meanwhile, Swalley Kenyi adds that FUFA and the Germany embassy in Kampala have organised a fundraising dinner for the Cranes before the Nations cup qualifier to Nigeria March 22.
The high profile function dubbed ‘Csaba Initiative’ will be held in a place yet to be identified in Kampala at the end of February.
It is an initiative of Germany Ambassador Alexander Mullein and coach Csaba to get diplomats, corporate bodies and the business community rally behind the Cranes.
FUFA marketing and sponsorship committee chairman Dennis Mbidde is coordinating the corporates while Csaba handles the international community.
Mbidde said that they target 100 diplomats and top corporate officials to raise sh60m towards the Cranes.
“Our challenge is sponsorship and how to get back fans to the stadia. We hope to use the Cranes to lobby for support because despite the challenge we’ve never failed to fill the stadia whenever the national team plays,†Mbidde reasoned.
Olympic qualifiers
February 7
South Africa v Uganda
UGANDA Kobs could make their 2008 Olympics qualifier against South Africa’s Amaglug-glug without Egypt-based forward Geoffrey Massa.
The El Eshams striker was asked by the club’s president, Yesi Mallah, to cancel his trip to Kampala on Wednesday night minutes after helping his club to a priceless away draw against Tesana.
“I can not promise that I will be available for the South Africa game. I was told by the club president minutes before my flight that we had to consider several things. I feel disappointed,†Massa said.
Mallah reportedly wants the Cranes ace available for the club’s make-or-break league engagements that involve Wednesday’s trip to Port Said-based El Masry. Kobs engage the Amaglug-glug on the same day.
“I hope something positive works out before Saturday,†he added.
The 21-year-old, who struck one and set up the other goal in El Sham’s midweek 2-2 draw, had been a significant figure in coach Lazslo Csaba’s plans.
Massa has since managed 15 league goals. El Shams are sixth on the table with 27 points in 17 matches.
His absence will thus prove fatal for a side, whose crisis in midfield already threatens to undermine what is expected to be a strong showing against the South Africans.
Owen Kasule’s performance for KCC FC in Tuesday’s low-profile friendly left Kobs’ technical staff contemplating his belated inclusion.
Augustine Nsumba, fielded as Kobs’ make-shift creative midfielder, was never the ideal choice. He thrives rolling off defenders and not running from deep.
The inclusion of URA FC’s Manko Kaweesa could help offer alternatives before the team departs on Sunday.
SC Villa’s Mike Azzira, whose ball-winning anticipation were misplaced and under-utilised at left-back in the friendly has since been shifted to occupy Hassan Wasswa’s place alongside Tom Ssemwogerere in central defence.
“I will continue experimenting through the next few days before the game,†Csaba said.
Meanwhile, Swalley Kenyi adds that FUFA and the Germany embassy in Kampala have organised a fundraising dinner for the Cranes before the Nations cup qualifier to Nigeria March 22.
The high profile function dubbed ‘Csaba Initiative’ will be held in a place yet to be identified in Kampala at the end of February.
It is an initiative of Germany Ambassador Alexander Mullein and coach Csaba to get diplomats, corporate bodies and the business community rally behind the Cranes.
FUFA marketing and sponsorship committee chairman Dennis Mbidde is coordinating the corporates while Csaba handles the international community.
Mbidde said that they target 100 diplomats and top corporate officials to raise sh60m towards the Cranes.
“Our challenge is sponsorship and how to get back fans to the stadia. We hope to use the Cranes to lobby for support because despite the challenge we’ve never failed to fill the stadia whenever the national team plays,†Mbidde reasoned.