Spirited Uganda Cranes confront Zambia
Aug 10, 2010
UGANDA Cranes have rocked African football since Bobby Williamson assumed the team’s coaching seat two years ago.
By Fred Kaweesi
and Melanie Hughes
Today, 4pm
Uganda v Zambia
UGANDA Cranes have rocked African football since Bobby Williamson assumed the team’s coaching seat two years ago.
Aside from just claiming two consecutive CECAFA Challenge Cup titles, the Cranes, whose name has stood for brilliance and class, have registered overwhelming statistics on the international front.
Armed with largely local-based players, Williamson did not only win his first Cranes fixture against Benin in 2008 but also embarked on an impressive run that saw the team lose just one of their three high-profile international games.
The Cranes humiliated Sudan with a 2-0 defeat in Khartoum, edged Malawi 2-1 in their next game before losing to African giants Ghana with a narrow 2-1 defeat in Tamale.
In the run up to the three friendly games, Williamson’s chief concern was designing a strategy that would help Uganda halt its winless run on the road – a test that his Cranes side somewhat passed.
Against Zambia today, Williamson’s primary concerns will be identifying key roles for a couple of youngsters he intends to initiate into the senior side, particularly Turkish-based defensive midfielder Hassan Wasswa. “I have never watched him. I will try to find out how well he can help the team,†Williamson pointed.
Of course, Williamson knows his ideal first team but what the Chipolopolo friendly will do is present him with the opportunity of also strengthening the team’s work ethic and mental strengths.
The Scot has often stated that he’s priorities are assembling a team that will compete perfectly for major honours and qualification glory.
If Cranes are to prosper in competitive fixtures in the near future, dress rehearsals such as this, will prove hugely significant.
Ugandans will draw much needed inspiration from the fact that Cranes have not lost a game at Mandela Stadium since their 1-0 defeat against South Africa in 2005.
The pain in Zambia’s ranks will stem from midfielders Noah Kivuta and Rainfold Kalaba.
and Melanie Hughes
Today, 4pm
Uganda v Zambia
UGANDA Cranes have rocked African football since Bobby Williamson assumed the team’s coaching seat two years ago.
Aside from just claiming two consecutive CECAFA Challenge Cup titles, the Cranes, whose name has stood for brilliance and class, have registered overwhelming statistics on the international front.
Armed with largely local-based players, Williamson did not only win his first Cranes fixture against Benin in 2008 but also embarked on an impressive run that saw the team lose just one of their three high-profile international games.
The Cranes humiliated Sudan with a 2-0 defeat in Khartoum, edged Malawi 2-1 in their next game before losing to African giants Ghana with a narrow 2-1 defeat in Tamale.
In the run up to the three friendly games, Williamson’s chief concern was designing a strategy that would help Uganda halt its winless run on the road – a test that his Cranes side somewhat passed.
Against Zambia today, Williamson’s primary concerns will be identifying key roles for a couple of youngsters he intends to initiate into the senior side, particularly Turkish-based defensive midfielder Hassan Wasswa. “I have never watched him. I will try to find out how well he can help the team,†Williamson pointed.
Of course, Williamson knows his ideal first team but what the Chipolopolo friendly will do is present him with the opportunity of also strengthening the team’s work ethic and mental strengths.
The Scot has often stated that he’s priorities are assembling a team that will compete perfectly for major honours and qualification glory.
If Cranes are to prosper in competitive fixtures in the near future, dress rehearsals such as this, will prove hugely significant.
Ugandans will draw much needed inspiration from the fact that Cranes have not lost a game at Mandela Stadium since their 1-0 defeat against South Africa in 2005.
The pain in Zambia’s ranks will stem from midfielders Noah Kivuta and Rainfold Kalaba.