McKinstry bets on Watambala despite the lack of experience

Vipers 'midfielder Abdul Karim Watambala's inclusion in the Cranes squad to face South Sudan in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier doubleheader was a surprise to many.

But according to Uganda Cranes coach Jonathan McKinstry, the youngster has impressed despite the fact he has only played for only one season in the topflight.

"Some of the reasons we were attracted to Karim is that he plays with great intensity. Karim attracts everyone's eye because he does everything with force and positivity. He is really hungry to learn and improve. We have worked with him for the past six months and he has made progress," stated McKinstry.

"He is still young and will make mistakes but in general, he is moving in the right direction. There is no doubt that he deserves to be in the squad and I also think he can learn so much because of the exposure to experienced players like Khalid Aucho, Mike Azira, and Emmanuel Okwi from whom he can learn so much and that can help him improve further," he added.

Watambala who finished his Senior Six last year at St Mary's Secondary School at Kitende was among the seven locally-based players that were to join the initial squad of 20 foreign-based stars.

Others are goalkeeper Charles Lukwago, Halid Lwaliwa, Patrick Mbowa, Disan Galiwango, Shafik Kagimu, and Brian Aheebwa.

McKinstry revealed how they can't pressure Watambala to perform given his age but he believes the youngster can help the team.

"We can't put much pressure on Karim because he is still young. I have worked with young players of Karim's age and helped their transition to professional games. We have to be patient, supportive, and understand that he will make mistakes thus help and guide him through," McKinstry noted.

The 20-year-old started his football journey with Blessed Soccer Academy and Town View Primary School all in Mbale.

He later joined St John's SS Mukono till Senior Two before crossing to St Mary's Kitende. It was at Kitende that his career took off and he was promoted to Vipers SC.

"I wasn't much exposed and didn't have any role models. I just loved football which I played for fun. It is that I wanted to excel in life. I always played with zeal to stand out from the rest," says Watambala.

Watambala has managed to win the Uganda Premier League with Vipers, the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup with the Uganda Cranes, the COPA Coca-Cola Schools Championship, and the East African Secondary Schools' tournament among other competitions.