Pasculli still experimenting
May 22, 2003
CRANES must continue experimenting the various options available as it builds up for the June 7 match against Rwanda
By Mark Namanya
CRANES must continue experimenting the various options available as it builds up for the June 7 match against Rwanda.
Wednesday’s draw with Sudan had glimpses of great football but left a few questions unanswered.
The defence might have shut out Sudan but Bana Zidane and Sam Mubiru do not compose Cranes’ first choice defence partnership.
A fit Timothy Batabaire and Ibrahim Ssekajja are ideally supposed to marshal Uganda Cranes’ rear guard and coach Pedro Pasculli needs to be astute in weighing the two against Zidane.
Aside from two delightful crosses, David Obua was a peripheral figure.
He lay deep in his own half and, at times, could not be distinguished with full back Peter Makanga.
Although Hood Kaweesa was not up to it, midfielders Philip Ssozi, Hakim Magumba, Alex Isabirye and Assan Bajope kept Cranes together and should form a vital part of Pasculli’s team.
The real crisis however lies in attack where Fred Okello continues to be a disappointment. On a good day, Okello puts away his chances and uses his build to destabilise opponents. On a bad day, he’s clumsy and a liability in the team.
Unfortunately, Okello’s bad days have out numbered his good ones.
Matters are not helped by Hassan Mubiru’s Cranes goal drought that is fast extending into club level. SC Villa’s giant striker Ekuchu Kasongo, who is yet to train with Cranes, should provide more options.
Pasculli noted the slow pace at which the game was played. “The match was played at slow pace and, that is African football, when compared with the European game,†said the Argentine.
Meanwhile, Argentina based Ssekajja and Dallas Burn defender Sulaiman Tenywa will return for the qualifier against Rwanda.
Tenywa was part of the side held to a 0-0 draw by Rwanda in March while Ssekajja, who did not turn up in Kigali, played in the 1-0 win over Ghana.
CRANES must continue experimenting the various options available as it builds up for the June 7 match against Rwanda.
Wednesday’s draw with Sudan had glimpses of great football but left a few questions unanswered.
The defence might have shut out Sudan but Bana Zidane and Sam Mubiru do not compose Cranes’ first choice defence partnership.
A fit Timothy Batabaire and Ibrahim Ssekajja are ideally supposed to marshal Uganda Cranes’ rear guard and coach Pedro Pasculli needs to be astute in weighing the two against Zidane.
Aside from two delightful crosses, David Obua was a peripheral figure.
He lay deep in his own half and, at times, could not be distinguished with full back Peter Makanga.
Although Hood Kaweesa was not up to it, midfielders Philip Ssozi, Hakim Magumba, Alex Isabirye and Assan Bajope kept Cranes together and should form a vital part of Pasculli’s team.
The real crisis however lies in attack where Fred Okello continues to be a disappointment. On a good day, Okello puts away his chances and uses his build to destabilise opponents. On a bad day, he’s clumsy and a liability in the team.
Unfortunately, Okello’s bad days have out numbered his good ones.
Matters are not helped by Hassan Mubiru’s Cranes goal drought that is fast extending into club level. SC Villa’s giant striker Ekuchu Kasongo, who is yet to train with Cranes, should provide more options.
Pasculli noted the slow pace at which the game was played. “The match was played at slow pace and, that is African football, when compared with the European game,†said the Argentine.
Meanwhile, Argentina based Ssekajja and Dallas Burn defender Sulaiman Tenywa will return for the qualifier against Rwanda.
Tenywa was part of the side held to a 0-0 draw by Rwanda in March while Ssekajja, who did not turn up in Kigali, played in the 1-0 win over Ghana.