Bengo emphasizes form over weight
Aug 12, 2010
STEVEN Bengo will have to lose weight or miss out on a first team place when the 2012 Nations Cup qualifying curtains open against Angola on September 4.
By Fred Kaweesi
STEVEN Bengo will have to lose weight or miss out on a first team place when the 2012 Nations Cup qualifying curtains open against Angola on September 4.
The Cranes midfielder, whose weight problems were also a source of concern at his previous Tanzanian football club Yanga, was booed off by fans as he was being substituted during the 1-1 draw against Zambia at Mandela Stadium on Wednesday.
With first team star David Obua literally ruled out of the Angola game due to a recurring groin injury, Cranes boss Bobby Williamson will have to decide on whether to opt for Bengo’s bulging frame or gamble with the inexperienced feet of Sula Matovu.
“Fans should not judge me by weight. I should be judged by my performances because it’s what matters. I will of course work hard before the Angola match,†Bengo stated yesterday.
Against the Chipolopolo, while the Cranes struggled to create any significant goal-scoring opportunities through the central zones, the team’s chances of penetrating Zambia down the flanks were undermined by Bengo and Dan Wagaluka’s mediocre displays.
Williamson will have to place Bengo on a special diet and a rigorous training regime that will not only eliminate his extra fat but also put him into shape.
“Its off-season and that told in our performances. If were playing football, the performance would have been better,†Bengo pointed.
Wasswa’s best role?
Against Zambia, Williamson’s other concern was identifying a key role for Turkish-based defensive midfielder Hassan Wasswa.
Although Wasswa was deployed as a holding midfielder, he’s clearly tailor-made for a central defensive role.
Wasswa is such a talent but he is a no Tony Mawejje, Johnston Bagoole or any other natural midfielder that would served better as a cardinal midfielder.
Right-back needed
Simeon Masaba has done well in the previous campaigns but will need cover in the forthcoming qualifying edition.
There were moments when he was exposed and was his replacement Derrick Walulya a better choice? No.
Aside from being average offensively, his sole option of hacking the ball forward so often excluded Cranes’ central attacking players from overall play.
The Cranes will take a short break before regrouping for a two-week training programme for the Angola tie.
STEVEN Bengo will have to lose weight or miss out on a first team place when the 2012 Nations Cup qualifying curtains open against Angola on September 4.
The Cranes midfielder, whose weight problems were also a source of concern at his previous Tanzanian football club Yanga, was booed off by fans as he was being substituted during the 1-1 draw against Zambia at Mandela Stadium on Wednesday.
With first team star David Obua literally ruled out of the Angola game due to a recurring groin injury, Cranes boss Bobby Williamson will have to decide on whether to opt for Bengo’s bulging frame or gamble with the inexperienced feet of Sula Matovu.
“Fans should not judge me by weight. I should be judged by my performances because it’s what matters. I will of course work hard before the Angola match,†Bengo stated yesterday.
Against the Chipolopolo, while the Cranes struggled to create any significant goal-scoring opportunities through the central zones, the team’s chances of penetrating Zambia down the flanks were undermined by Bengo and Dan Wagaluka’s mediocre displays.
Williamson will have to place Bengo on a special diet and a rigorous training regime that will not only eliminate his extra fat but also put him into shape.
“Its off-season and that told in our performances. If were playing football, the performance would have been better,†Bengo pointed.
Wasswa’s best role?
Against Zambia, Williamson’s other concern was identifying a key role for Turkish-based defensive midfielder Hassan Wasswa.
Although Wasswa was deployed as a holding midfielder, he’s clearly tailor-made for a central defensive role.
Wasswa is such a talent but he is a no Tony Mawejje, Johnston Bagoole or any other natural midfielder that would served better as a cardinal midfielder.
Right-back needed
Simeon Masaba has done well in the previous campaigns but will need cover in the forthcoming qualifying edition.
There were moments when he was exposed and was his replacement Derrick Walulya a better choice? No.
Aside from being average offensively, his sole option of hacking the ball forward so often excluded Cranes’ central attacking players from overall play.
The Cranes will take a short break before regrouping for a two-week training programme for the Angola tie.