Why Kidega is a vital figure
May 25, 2008
HOW many resourceful midfielders present in the Cranes’ ranks are worth comparing to Jimmy Kidega? And who better than Rwandan club’s Rayon Sports playmaker to offer a two-in-one answer to Cranes’ customary creative and holding-role questions when the 2010 World/Nations Cup curtains open again
World Cup qualifier
Saturday,/b>
Uganda v Niger
Previous result:
Uganda 3 Niger 1
HOW many resourceful midfielders present in the Cranes’ ranks are worth comparing to Jimmy Kidega? And who better than Rwandan club’s Rayon Sports playmaker to offer a two-in-one answer to Cranes’ customary creative and holding-role questions when the 2010 World/Nations Cup curtains open against Niger this Saturday?
In truth, other than the routine candidates, Assan Bajope and Noah ‘Babadi’ Kasule, there is none. If Uganda Cranes’ second training session at
Namboole Stadium yesterday proved one thing, it was that coach Laszlo Csaba ought to consider the lanky and well-built midfielder as a wild card into his 18-man team due to start against the Menna.
“He is okay, but my problem is that the most important players are yet to arrive. If we have everybody around then it will help me arrange my team,†Csaba hinted.
Why Kidega? To start with, any doubts
on whether Kidega, who last appeared for the Cranes on the bench against Rwanda in 2003, is fit were largely dispelled in the 120 minutes he spent in training.
His ability to hold the ball and bring forwards into play enabled the likes of Geoffrey Massa do what they can do best: linger with intent off the shoulder of the final defender.
Like has been in the Rwandan domestic league, Kidega is besides being a fine shooter from yards, impressively hands attacking teammates the space to run in behind defenders.
His presence, if considered, will not only force Bajope and Kasule into working hard –but guarantee the team that odd goal that comes from over 20- yards. “It felt good playing ahead of him. He will offer a lot. He will be useful,†Massa pointed.
Competition in the wide positions
In Dan Wagaluka and David Obua, Cranes currently find themselves blessed with exceptional wingers. The two epitomize the modern wideplayer,
capable of rugged ball-winning, and who can be the springboard for the team’s attacking play especially in their 4-4-2 format.
But the fast emerging talents of Mike Sserumaga and Joseph Kabagambe are such valuable prospects fast-developing and knocking with purpose on Csaba’s door. Wagaluka has often been employed on the right, thanks to the offensedefense counter-balance he has often held over his usually closest challenger Vincent Kayizzi.
In the 1970’s, the famous Cranes of the time would get behind defences using
the flanks, mainly through Stanley ‘Tanka’ Mubiru. There were times in training yesterday when Kabagambe showed he could do the same.
Watching him run past a left-back on the outside and deliver pinpoint crosses was a delightful sight. Obua’s absence from training, despite arriving in the country last week –quite disappointing, is
bringing the best out of Sweden-based winger Sserumaga.
“Joseph (Kabagambe) and Mike (Sserumaga) are doing well,†Csaba stated. Csaba will also have the opportunity of assessing the fitness of US-based defender Sulaiman Tenywa later today.
Revelation striker Caesar Okhuti will join the rest of the team on Wednesday. Meanwhile, FUFA president Lawrence Mulindwa yesterday said that the tickets will be on sale starting tomorrow at Shell and Caltex major petrol stations in towns that include Kampala, Jinja, Mbale and Masaka, adds Norman Katende
“We will not sell tickets at the
gate,†Mulindwa said.
Laszlo Csaba
WHILE Cranes’ players must perform at the very peak of their powers against Niger, the coaching staff under the stewardship of Laszlo Csaba must be spot-on with major selection decisions if Uganda is to register a winning start.
Among the chief reasons, the Cranes faltered in the previous campaign was the Cranes technical staff ’s failure to excel in their five primary roles.
And that was, choosing the right tactics,
making tactical adjustments as necessary, selecting the right players, getting the best performance out of these players, and most significantly squeezing a result out of nothing.
This weekend’s qualifier brings to mind Cranes’ previous qualifier against Niger, a fixture Cranes had to win with a canter.
Scandalously, Csaba opted for five defenders at the expense of creative midfielder Assan Bajope.
Compiled by Fred Kaweesi
Saturday,/b>
Uganda v Niger
Previous result:
Uganda 3 Niger 1
HOW many resourceful midfielders present in the Cranes’ ranks are worth comparing to Jimmy Kidega? And who better than Rwandan club’s Rayon Sports playmaker to offer a two-in-one answer to Cranes’ customary creative and holding-role questions when the 2010 World/Nations Cup curtains open against Niger this Saturday?
In truth, other than the routine candidates, Assan Bajope and Noah ‘Babadi’ Kasule, there is none. If Uganda Cranes’ second training session at
Namboole Stadium yesterday proved one thing, it was that coach Laszlo Csaba ought to consider the lanky and well-built midfielder as a wild card into his 18-man team due to start against the Menna.
“He is okay, but my problem is that the most important players are yet to arrive. If we have everybody around then it will help me arrange my team,†Csaba hinted.
Why Kidega? To start with, any doubts
on whether Kidega, who last appeared for the Cranes on the bench against Rwanda in 2003, is fit were largely dispelled in the 120 minutes he spent in training.
His ability to hold the ball and bring forwards into play enabled the likes of Geoffrey Massa do what they can do best: linger with intent off the shoulder of the final defender.
Like has been in the Rwandan domestic league, Kidega is besides being a fine shooter from yards, impressively hands attacking teammates the space to run in behind defenders.
His presence, if considered, will not only force Bajope and Kasule into working hard –but guarantee the team that odd goal that comes from over 20- yards. “It felt good playing ahead of him. He will offer a lot. He will be useful,†Massa pointed.
Competition in the wide positions
In Dan Wagaluka and David Obua, Cranes currently find themselves blessed with exceptional wingers. The two epitomize the modern wideplayer,
capable of rugged ball-winning, and who can be the springboard for the team’s attacking play especially in their 4-4-2 format.
But the fast emerging talents of Mike Sserumaga and Joseph Kabagambe are such valuable prospects fast-developing and knocking with purpose on Csaba’s door. Wagaluka has often been employed on the right, thanks to the offensedefense counter-balance he has often held over his usually closest challenger Vincent Kayizzi.
In the 1970’s, the famous Cranes of the time would get behind defences using
the flanks, mainly through Stanley ‘Tanka’ Mubiru. There were times in training yesterday when Kabagambe showed he could do the same.
Watching him run past a left-back on the outside and deliver pinpoint crosses was a delightful sight. Obua’s absence from training, despite arriving in the country last week –quite disappointing, is
bringing the best out of Sweden-based winger Sserumaga.
“Joseph (Kabagambe) and Mike (Sserumaga) are doing well,†Csaba stated. Csaba will also have the opportunity of assessing the fitness of US-based defender Sulaiman Tenywa later today.
Revelation striker Caesar Okhuti will join the rest of the team on Wednesday. Meanwhile, FUFA president Lawrence Mulindwa yesterday said that the tickets will be on sale starting tomorrow at Shell and Caltex major petrol stations in towns that include Kampala, Jinja, Mbale and Masaka, adds Norman Katende
“We will not sell tickets at the
gate,†Mulindwa said.
Laszlo Csaba
WHILE Cranes’ players must perform at the very peak of their powers against Niger, the coaching staff under the stewardship of Laszlo Csaba must be spot-on with major selection decisions if Uganda is to register a winning start.
Among the chief reasons, the Cranes faltered in the previous campaign was the Cranes technical staff ’s failure to excel in their five primary roles.
And that was, choosing the right tactics,
making tactical adjustments as necessary, selecting the right players, getting the best performance out of these players, and most significantly squeezing a result out of nothing.
This weekend’s qualifier brings to mind Cranes’ previous qualifier against Niger, a fixture Cranes had to win with a canter.
Scandalously, Csaba opted for five defenders at the expense of creative midfielder Assan Bajope.
Compiled by Fred Kaweesi