Lule targeting the big stage ahead of Rwanda U-17 clash

Uganda Cubs coach Mathias Lule has made a clear statement of intent that the team is targeting a spot in the Niger 2015 African under-17 championship ahead of the second round qualifier return leg against Cubs on Friday, August 1 in Rubavu District, Western Province of Rwanda.

The youthful tatician speaking to Red Pepper Online edition termed the Rwanda game a crucial one to the team and individual players and assured that they will give their all to go past the neighboring nation.

Uganda have a 4-goal advantage into their 2015 African under-17 championship second round qualifier return leg against Rwanda.

“This is a crucial game and we are capable of getting past them. We know the importance of this match for the country, the team and even individual players,” he said.

The squad of 18 players and five officials left by road Tuesday afternoon and camped until today morning in Kabale town bordering Rwanda in Western Uganda are now safely in Kigali before completing the journey to Rubavu on Thursday.

Fufa confirmed that President Museveni’s office had offered to facilitate the team’s travel expense. Fufa, however, opted for the team to travel by road. “You cannot rule the fatigue factor but apart from that, the boys are fully focused on the task ahead,” explained Lule after the team’s last session at Nakivubo yesterday morning.

Charles Sebutinde and teammates know that the changes in venues and date of the game will have no effect on the Cubs.

Cubs were forced to embark on the journey to Rwanda earlier than planned after Federation of Rwanda Football Associations (FERWAFA) rescheduled their qualifier for Friday instead of Saturday.

It was anticipated that the team would fly out to Rwanda for the game.

FERWAFA has also moved the return leg of the second round qualifier 164km away from their capital Kigali to Rubavu District in its Western Province.

Midfielder Frank “Zaga” Tumwesigye who was outstanding in the first leg struggled with a muscle problem but is in the team. NET PHOTO

The Wasps need to win by at least 5-0 if they are to qualify to the final round having lost the first leg 4-0 at Namboole.

The Uganda Cubs in Kigali: Eric Kibowa and Edward Kasibante (Goal Keepers), Andrew Isiagi Okiring (Captain), Alex Komakech, Samuel Kato Nemeyimana, Bashir Asiku, Emmanuel Olinga (Vice Captain), Hassan Ssenyonjo, Frank Zaga Tumwesigye, Muhammed Shaban, Charles Sebutinde, Pius Obuya, Joel Jangeyemabe, Diego Katumba, Asraf Mugume, Ezra Bidda, Musa Mukalazi, and Julius Poloto.

Friday, August 1

Rwanda vs. Uganda , 2pm Rubavu
(Uganda lead 4-0 from 1st leg)

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