Obwiny predicts tough league round
PHILLIP Obwiny is well qualified to pass judgment on just about anything about Ugandan league football. After all, the former Cranes international has six league championships and five Kakungulu Cup trophies secured in illustrious careers at Express FC, SC Villa and URA FC.
By Fred Kaweesi
PHILLIP Obwiny is well qualified to pass judgment on just about anything about Ugandan league football. After all, the former Cranes international has six league championships and five Kakungulu Cup trophies secured in illustrious careers at Express FC, SC Villa and URA FC.
So it was probably worth listening to the veteran defender when he argued that the second half of the 2007/2008 season that kicks off with four fixtures today will arguably prove to be the most competitive and best ever in his 15-season career.
“The reason this season stands out is the level of organisation among all the 18 clubs. It is not like it was so many years ago when the championship would be decided between Villa, KCC and Express,†Obwin said.
Obwin’s intended mid-season transfer from champions URA to Nalubaale FC was officially blocked. However negotiations between the two sides have been ongoing and a sh3m deal is likely to be sealed today, regrettably not in time for the league debutantes’ home fixture against Kakungulu Cup holders Express.
Pundits already believe that high-profile arrivals of Eritrean star Elias Ali Okubarzey and proven forward Geoffrey Sserunkuuma will breed supreme confidence in Romanian coach Marin Dorian’s side and despair to those who try to stop them.
“I will give everything to the club and Dorian. He is the reason I am here,†the 27-year-old Elias stated.
Dorian expects his charges to play with greater cohesion against a vibrant Red Eagles side coming off a starring Confederations Cup 1-0 win over Burundian side Inter Stars.
“It has been a learning process for me and a few players. I have restructured the team and that should make us stronger defensively and offensively," Dorian pointed.
Express have over the last two seasons failed to make an impact in the league, but have come back to win the Kakungulu Cup on both occasions. They last won the league in 1996.
So, while Jimmy Muguwa’s arrival has raised expectations at Wankulukuku, the soft-spoken tactician’s primary task will be to try and craft a winning start in the second round that will convince the Red Army that they could still make a comeback.
Last season presented Express’ worst run in many years. Besides adopting some of their customary failings such as dressing room divisions, they wilted against mediocre opposition. It prompted an overhaul of the squad, with the return of the likes of Morley Byekwaso and Phillip Ssozi, who sadly, are yet to fully impose themselves.
Coach Frank ‘Video' Anyau's fourth-placed URA FC, engage Masaka LC, aware that their 22-point loss in the first round was such a disappointing return for a club with unrivalled financial muscle.
“We have to start winning consistently. We are disappointing with our home form and that will have to change if we are going to keep in touch with the leaders,†URA midfielder Joram Katende observed.
Masaka are, to a reasonable extent, financially stable for the first time in a while, but that has not helped their league performances.
If they survive relegation, it will not be because they are fantastic, but because they have the knack of competing.
The Boroboro-CRO fixture pits two sides who have found their competence a bit lacking in the top flight. The tide is blowing towards relegation.
PHILLIP Obwiny is well qualified to pass judgment on just about anything about Ugandan league football. After all, the former Cranes international has six league championships and five Kakungulu Cup trophies secured in illustrious careers at Express FC, SC Villa and URA FC.
So it was probably worth listening to the veteran defender when he argued that the second half of the 2007/2008 season that kicks off with four fixtures today will arguably prove to be the most competitive and best ever in his 15-season career.
“The reason this season stands out is the level of organisation among all the 18 clubs. It is not like it was so many years ago when the championship would be decided between Villa, KCC and Express,†Obwin said.
Obwin’s intended mid-season transfer from champions URA to Nalubaale FC was officially blocked. However negotiations between the two sides have been ongoing and a sh3m deal is likely to be sealed today, regrettably not in time for the league debutantes’ home fixture against Kakungulu Cup holders Express.
Pundits already believe that high-profile arrivals of Eritrean star Elias Ali Okubarzey and proven forward Geoffrey Sserunkuuma will breed supreme confidence in Romanian coach Marin Dorian’s side and despair to those who try to stop them.
“I will give everything to the club and Dorian. He is the reason I am here,†the 27-year-old Elias stated.
Dorian expects his charges to play with greater cohesion against a vibrant Red Eagles side coming off a starring Confederations Cup 1-0 win over Burundian side Inter Stars.
“It has been a learning process for me and a few players. I have restructured the team and that should make us stronger defensively and offensively," Dorian pointed.
Express have over the last two seasons failed to make an impact in the league, but have come back to win the Kakungulu Cup on both occasions. They last won the league in 1996.
So, while Jimmy Muguwa’s arrival has raised expectations at Wankulukuku, the soft-spoken tactician’s primary task will be to try and craft a winning start in the second round that will convince the Red Army that they could still make a comeback.
Last season presented Express’ worst run in many years. Besides adopting some of their customary failings such as dressing room divisions, they wilted against mediocre opposition. It prompted an overhaul of the squad, with the return of the likes of Morley Byekwaso and Phillip Ssozi, who sadly, are yet to fully impose themselves.
Coach Frank ‘Video' Anyau's fourth-placed URA FC, engage Masaka LC, aware that their 22-point loss in the first round was such a disappointing return for a club with unrivalled financial muscle.
“We have to start winning consistently. We are disappointing with our home form and that will have to change if we are going to keep in touch with the leaders,†URA midfielder Joram Katende observed.
Masaka are, to a reasonable extent, financially stable for the first time in a while, but that has not helped their league performances.
If they survive relegation, it will not be because they are fantastic, but because they have the knack of competing.
The Boroboro-CRO fixture pits two sides who have found their competence a bit lacking in the top flight. The tide is blowing towards relegation.