Why Cranes need Obua for Angola
Aug 30, 2010
WHEN the stakes are high and the opponent in line quite formidable, any football coach would do anything to have all his big-game players available.
By Fred Kaweesi
WHEN the stakes are high and the opponent in line quite formidable, any football coach would do anything to have all his big-game players available.
It’s why Cranes boss Bobby Williamson and soccer governing body FUFA are doing everything possible to ensure David Obua returns to the country for Saturday’s Nations Cup qualifier against Angola.
Were he any other player, with the possible exception of Ibrahim Sekagya, Obua’s fitness concerns would ideally have ruled him out for the crucial fixture at Namboole.
But Williamson probably feels that no other player will be capable of delivering that match-winning performance the Cranes will need.
That Obua alone represents the embodiment of his brand of attacking spirit. “If he (Obua) sat on the bench against Dundee, then he must have been ready for action,†Williamson told the media yesterday.
Obua, had been ruled out of Cranes game against Angola following a groin operation he underwent a month ago.
The Hearts midfielder, however returned a week earlier than expected and was brought on as a substitute for the last 15 minutes during Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Dundee.
Williamson spent large parts of yesterday still trying to get in touch with the midfielder through email and contacts within Scotland.
Obua himself had not officially communicated to the federation.
“We have included him (Obua) on the team on standby as we try to find ways of flying him here. We are told he called and confirmed his interest in playing against Angola,†Cranes coordinator Chris Muyinda stated.
With Obua previously sidelined, Williamson had the choice of opting for local-based stars Steven Bengo or Sula Matovu as replacements.
Why Obua?
But why would the Scot treat the possibility of having a half-fit Obua here as golden.
Obua is one of the most creative and influential players in the Cranes team and has matured into a player with outstanding ability.
In the previous 2010 Nations Cup qualifying campaign, Obua did all he humanly could have done to propel Uganda to the brink of qualification with a sensational hat-trick against Niger. He might have struggled in that match –– understandable for he had joined the team hours to midnight the previous night, with fitness concerns ––– but was in irrepressible mood in the final hour of that fateful game.
Many will argue that Bengo and Matovu have proved their qualities with the local-based Cranes side so far. But in truth, all the two have done is confirm they have unfulfilled, if great, potential.
With Obua available, Williamson will have a two-in-one (striker and midfielder) player available.
At Hearts, Obua, often berated for a lack of application on his regular midfield beat, proved to be a useful and industrious attacker for two principal reasons.
Not only does his 6ft-plus-frame present a physical problem for opponents but, combined with his mobility, it makes him an all-round bustling centre-forward.
WHEN the stakes are high and the opponent in line quite formidable, any football coach would do anything to have all his big-game players available.
It’s why Cranes boss Bobby Williamson and soccer governing body FUFA are doing everything possible to ensure David Obua returns to the country for Saturday’s Nations Cup qualifier against Angola.
Were he any other player, with the possible exception of Ibrahim Sekagya, Obua’s fitness concerns would ideally have ruled him out for the crucial fixture at Namboole.
But Williamson probably feels that no other player will be capable of delivering that match-winning performance the Cranes will need.
That Obua alone represents the embodiment of his brand of attacking spirit. “If he (Obua) sat on the bench against Dundee, then he must have been ready for action,†Williamson told the media yesterday.
Obua, had been ruled out of Cranes game against Angola following a groin operation he underwent a month ago.
The Hearts midfielder, however returned a week earlier than expected and was brought on as a substitute for the last 15 minutes during Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Dundee.
Williamson spent large parts of yesterday still trying to get in touch with the midfielder through email and contacts within Scotland.
Obua himself had not officially communicated to the federation.
“We have included him (Obua) on the team on standby as we try to find ways of flying him here. We are told he called and confirmed his interest in playing against Angola,†Cranes coordinator Chris Muyinda stated.
With Obua previously sidelined, Williamson had the choice of opting for local-based stars Steven Bengo or Sula Matovu as replacements.
Why Obua?
But why would the Scot treat the possibility of having a half-fit Obua here as golden.
Obua is one of the most creative and influential players in the Cranes team and has matured into a player with outstanding ability.
In the previous 2010 Nations Cup qualifying campaign, Obua did all he humanly could have done to propel Uganda to the brink of qualification with a sensational hat-trick against Niger. He might have struggled in that match –– understandable for he had joined the team hours to midnight the previous night, with fitness concerns ––– but was in irrepressible mood in the final hour of that fateful game.
Many will argue that Bengo and Matovu have proved their qualities with the local-based Cranes side so far. But in truth, all the two have done is confirm they have unfulfilled, if great, potential.
With Obua available, Williamson will have a two-in-one (striker and midfielder) player available.
At Hearts, Obua, often berated for a lack of application on his regular midfield beat, proved to be a useful and industrious attacker for two principal reasons.
Not only does his 6ft-plus-frame present a physical problem for opponents but, combined with his mobility, it makes him an all-round bustling centre-forward.