Cranes stars still stranded at their respective clubs

FRED KAWEESI

Sunday
Niger v Uganda
Benin v Angola

THE disorganisation that often precedes Cranes’ away matches has resurfaced — only this time it could come at an even heavier cost.

With just 48 hours left before the national side departs for its make-or-break World Cup qualifier against Niger this Sunday, a couple of the Cranes’ first team players are still stranded at their respective clubs in Europe, yet to receive their travel tickets back home.

While Andrew Mwesigwa and Geoffrey Massa decided to finance their travels and are in camp already, Europe-based stars Denis Obua, Nestroy Kizito, Abubaker Tabula and Mike Sserumagga will only be available if their return tickets are sent and flights secured before Wednesday. The team is expected to depart for Niamey on Thursday.

“I am trying to look for a ticket now and get down there for the match,” Obua stated yesterday.

South Africa-based players Denis Onyango, Timothy Batabaire and Geoffrey Sserunkuuma were the others that should have arrived yesterday but could not due to the delay in ticket processing.

But who is to blame?
On the basis of the recent agreement between government and soccer governing body FUFA, government is supposed to process and purchase tickets for each of the team’s foreign-based players and the national team ahead of any international engagements.

However, a combination of laxity and poor communication between the two parties seems to have undermined all efforts, though State Sports minister Charles Bakabulindi differed. “I would have wanted them here early enough but due to certain unavoidable reasons, it has not been possible.

“We have procedure in government and the finance section has done all it can to help and the tickets should be ready and sent today.”

On the evidence of recent events, it seems this country simply needs some sort of ritual cleansing.

Match referees

Ghanaian centre referee Joseph Lamptey will celebrate his 34th birthday after officiating Cranes’ match against Niger at the General Seyni Kountche Stadium.

Lamptey will be assisted by David Laryea and Dawood Ouedrago.

Cranes has not won a game away from home since 2000.