Uganda Kobs Turn
Jun 09, 2003
AFTER the Uganda Cranes’ drama filled defeat against Rwanda in their Group 13 Africa Nations Cup qualifier, attention turns to the U-23 Kobs’ ambition for Olympic glory in Athens 2004.
By Joseph Opio
AFTER the Uganda Cranes’ drama filled defeat against Rwanda in their Group 13 Africa Nations Cup qualifier, attention turns to the U-23 Kobs’ ambition for Olympic glory in Athens 2004.
According to assistant coach, Jackson Mayanja, the national youth squad is prepared to make their maiden Olympic appearance especially after Cranes’ misfortunes on Saturday.
“The country was let down by the senior players’ inability to retain their concentration throughout the match. Our players are determined not to make the same mistake. That loss has motivated them to win this weekend so as to give the nation a measure of consolation,†said Mayanja.
The Kobs, who have been in camp for more than three weeks at Lugogo, will be encountering the Indian Ocean Island nation of Seychelles on Saturday in the first round qualifier at Nakivubo.
Seychelles managed to overcome island neighbours, Mauritius, in the preliminary round.
Mayanja, who is handling the side alongside Charles Namakoola, revealed that the team’s strategy will be to win with a huge margin at home so as to render the return leg in Seychelles easy.
“The players have their instructions. We’re now going to use the Cranes’ match as an example to impress upon them the essence of total concentration. We have to take control of the fixture from here through our home advantage.â€
Kobs have offered Uganda its only moment in footballing limelight in recent history when they reached the semi-finals of the All Africa Games in 1999 in South Africa.
Their attempts to scale the summit of the most prestigious youth soccer showpiece have however never cultivated as much success.
Uganda’s last bid for the quadrennial games in 2000 was thwarted by eventual finalists, Nigeria, whose 3-2 triumph, courtesy of a Julius Aghahowa double, condemned the Kobs to an early home elimination.
Seychelles senior side beat Zimbabwe 2-1 at home in the Nations Cup over the weekend.
Ends
AFTER the Uganda Cranes’ drama filled defeat against Rwanda in their Group 13 Africa Nations Cup qualifier, attention turns to the U-23 Kobs’ ambition for Olympic glory in Athens 2004.
According to assistant coach, Jackson Mayanja, the national youth squad is prepared to make their maiden Olympic appearance especially after Cranes’ misfortunes on Saturday.
“The country was let down by the senior players’ inability to retain their concentration throughout the match. Our players are determined not to make the same mistake. That loss has motivated them to win this weekend so as to give the nation a measure of consolation,†said Mayanja.
The Kobs, who have been in camp for more than three weeks at Lugogo, will be encountering the Indian Ocean Island nation of Seychelles on Saturday in the first round qualifier at Nakivubo.
Seychelles managed to overcome island neighbours, Mauritius, in the preliminary round.
Mayanja, who is handling the side alongside Charles Namakoola, revealed that the team’s strategy will be to win with a huge margin at home so as to render the return leg in Seychelles easy.
“The players have their instructions. We’re now going to use the Cranes’ match as an example to impress upon them the essence of total concentration. We have to take control of the fixture from here through our home advantage.â€
Kobs have offered Uganda its only moment in footballing limelight in recent history when they reached the semi-finals of the All Africa Games in 1999 in South Africa.
Their attempts to scale the summit of the most prestigious youth soccer showpiece have however never cultivated as much success.
Uganda’s last bid for the quadrennial games in 2000 was thwarted by eventual finalists, Nigeria, whose 3-2 triumph, courtesy of a Julius Aghahowa double, condemned the Kobs to an early home elimination.
Seychelles senior side beat Zimbabwe 2-1 at home in the Nations Cup over the weekend.
Ends