Rugby Cranes need to perfect kicking

By Johnson Were

CAR Cup semifinals
Tuesday

Tunisia         v          Zimbabwe      5pm
Uganda        v          Kenya              8pm

Saturday
Final in Tunis

The Rugby Cranes have been urged to effectively deal with the pressure that comes with competing at the highest level.

There is also need to perfect their kicks in order to collect maximum points during the Confederation of African Rugby (CAR) Cup semifinals on Tuesday in Tunis against Kenya.

The Rugby Cranes assistant coach Fred Mudoola sounded the advice to the team during the last training session at Kyadondo rugby club shortly before the team’s departure.

Mudoola also advised the players to maintain high fitness levels for the entire 80 minutes of play.

“It’s very tough and not easy playing Kenya but if they hold the pressure and the kickers perfect their duty then we shall reach the final,” Mudoola stated.

“The kicking problem is so serious that we have to rectify and correct every point that comes our way or else we suffer,” Mudoola added.

Uganda faces Kenya while Tunisia battle Zimbabwe in the semifinal on Tuesday July 10 and the final will be on Saturday July 14.

Kenya are the CAR Cup defending champions after beating Tunisia last year in Nairobi.

Uganda’s only win came in 2007 when the Rugby Cranes eliminated arch-rivals Kenya in the semifinals before beating Madagascar away in Antananarivo. The team will be handled by Yayiro Kasasa.

The team that left on Sunday includes: Brian Odong, Alex Mubiru, Ronald Adigas, Romano Ogwal, Andrew Olwenyi, Timothy Ddumba, Scot Oluoch, Mathias Ochwo, Marvin Odong, Anthony Kinene, Edmond Tumusiime, Michael Wokorach, Paul Kabazi, Bishop Onen and Benon Kizza.

Others are Felix Lubega, Asuman Mugerwa, Steven Ogwete, Solomon Mawanda, Joel Anguyo, Ambrose Kamanyire, Oscar Echulu and Oscar Kalyango.

The team is sponsored by Xfm, New Vision, Nile Special and UAP Insurance.