Musagala wants final debut

GLASGOW - Ronald Musagala is focused on making his first appearance in the first final of the 800m at an international event and thus looking at Wednesday’s semi-final as cautiously as possible.

Musagala cruised to the semi-final of the Commonwealth Games after clocking 1 minute, 48.23 seconds in the first round where he finished second behind South Africa’s Andre Olivier in Heat II.

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Musagala is gunning to make the final race. Photos/Norman Katende

It was a good and calm race for the runner, who last year failed to advance to the final of the Moscow World Championships, but today wants to banish those spirits and then try to go for his first medal.

Musagala (2ndL) before surging forward to catch his position

“They had told us at the call room that the top three in each heat advance directly and this was more of getting positions. I did not want to tire myself as I know that tomorrow (Wednesday) will be a tight race as it demands direct qualifications,” said Musagala after the race.

He ran a cautious race and by the half way mark, he was in sixth position, only advancing step by step.

By the time they were reaching at the homestretch, he was in second position and had even the guts to overtake Olivier to first place, though he kept calm to stroll to the finishing line.

“I did not need to burn my energy yet I might need it more tomorrow.”

Musagala warms up before the race

The 800m semi-finals are the most challenging with only the top four in each race advancing to the final regardless of times.

“I am praying that I am put in a heat with some two good runners to push me on to qualify,” said Musagala.