The last time the Rugby Cranes faced off with Kenya in Kampala, the visitors disrespected their hosts in a comprehensive 48-10 thrashing. The return leg in Nairobi was then earmarked by the Rugby Cranes to get their revenge, but it didn’t happen. They were battered 45-24 and still nurse not only the wounds but the anger toward their noisy neighbors.With less than 4 days until the first leg of this year’s Elgon Cup first leg in Kampala, Rugby Cranes head coach John Duncan and his assistant Robert Sseguya have named the 23-man squad to do the task against Kenya. Captained by Betway Kobs prop Brian Odong, the team will feature a blend of old heads and the new kids on the block.
Kabras Sugar scrum half Ivan Kirabo will be handed his full debut when he starts ahead of rookie Aaron Ofoyrwoth. The other debutant will be Rhinos lock Robert Aziku. There are 17 players not named in Saturday’s match day squad with some senior players who have been a strong part of the team in the recent times. Former Rugby Cranes captain and African champion Mathias Ochwo, who missed the 2016 campaign, is the biggest name missing on the team sheet.Ochwo is joined by Ronald Musajjagulanyago, 2015 half back pairing of Kevin Makmot and Chris Lubanga, Ramathan Govule, James Injongat, Arthur Mpande, Gerald Ssewankambo, John Wandicho and Eric Kasiita on the sidelines. Adinan Mutebi, Aaron Ofoyrwoth, Eric Mula and Musa Muwonge will await their chance from the bench. Veterans Alex Mubiru and Scot Oluoch have both made a return to the team alongside winger Justin Kimono.
Sseguya, however, made it clear that no player has been dropped from the team and all those in camp will have their opportunity to represent the country. Uganda will take on Kenya on Saturday and the opponents are expected in the country on Thursday.
Selected players:
Asuman Mugerwa , Alex Mubiru , Brian Odongo (C), Charles Uhuru, Robert Aziku, Brian Asaba
Scot Oluoch, Marvin Odongo, Ivan Kirabo, Ivan Magomu, James Odong, Pius Ogena, Micheal Okorach, Lawrence Sebuliba, Philip Wokorach, Syrus Watum, Collin Kimbowa, Adnan Mutebi
Byron Oketayot, Musa Muwonge, Aaron Ofoyrwoth, Justin Kimono and Eric Mula.