Cranes a left-back, midfielder and defender

Dec 29, 2008

AS the countdown to Cranes’ opening CECAFA match against Rwanda gathers pace, Cranes boss Bobby Williamson appears undecided on who should start at left-back, in the holding role and central defensive position alongside team captain Andrew Mwesigwa.

By Fred Kaweesi

AS the countdown to Cranes’ opening CECAFA match against Rwanda gathers pace, Cranes boss Bobby Williamson appears undecided on who should start at left-back, in the holding role and central defensive position alongside team captain Andrew Mwesigwa.

The Scot knows virtually the rest of his side and, although he will not name his first team until hours to Cranes’ opening game against the Amavubi, the three positions are certain brainteasers.

On the evidence of yesterday’s session, Geoffrey Massa and Caesar Okhuti are likely to lead the line, with Dan Wagaluka and Steven Bengo occupying the right and left wide areas respectively.

Williamson, whose thoughts churn around starting Owen Kasule in the creative role, must decide who among Mudde Musa, Robert Kimuli and Tony Mawejje will suitably occupy the team’s holding role.

Johnston Bagoole would have walked in but has been ruled out with injury while Kimuli is simply not tailor-made for that role —at least for country. Mudde has put in a series of impressive performances to suggest he could push Mawejje for a starting place.

With Godfrey Walusimbi ruled out at left-back, Bobby, who has often stuck with Habib Kavuma, must have been left in two minds after watching Ismail Kazibwe. “I will continue changing and giving others a chance to see who performs better,” he noted.

Edward Ssali and Isaac Isinde are the two cards competing to partner Mwesigwa. But, truth be told, none compares with Nalubaale FC’s Patrick Waligo, who was overlooked.

Waligo has an engaging smile and is polite to a fault but strikers in the league have had trouble recognizing him from that description. The smile gives way to a grimace as the competitor emerges and he becomes a colossus at the back.

Sometimes the ball goes past him. Sometimes the man goes past him. But rarely do the two go past together. It’s such steely quality and game-reading abilities that Cranes need.

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});