Maligned Massa Waits to Pounce

Andrew Mwanguhya

2 June 2011

He is most often among the first names on Bobby Williamson’s starting line-up. The story is less likely to change when the Scot names his starting 11 for the return leg of the 2012 Nations Cup qualifier against Guinea Bissau at Namboole on Saturday.

Yet Geoffrey Massa remains an unpopular figure amongst some fans and critics, who accuse him of wastefulness in front of goal.

“To tell you the truth, I don’t mind them,” said Massa,” I’m a professional player and anytime I am called, I will always come and prove to the coach.”

Massa, 25, came onto the scene with a brace against Lesotho in 2006. He added four more goals in the Ghana 2008 and Angola 2010 Nations Cup campaigns. Since then, that scoring touch in Cranes colours has eluded him, although, he retains pace and imposing presence.

But he has scored 15 in 20 appearances for his Egyptian club – Itesalat – this season, he says.

However, his last goal for Uganda came in the 2009 Cecafa in Nairobi. But he is not having sleepless nights over the drought. “Scoring goals is not all that matters,” Massa told Daily Monitor, “As long as I can create a goal and we win, am happy.”

In fact, Massa crafted the goal scored by Obua in the 1-0 away win to Guinea Bissau in March. “I could have scored but Obua was in a better position. So I had to pass to him. Yes, I want to score but if I create for my colleagues, am OK.”

Impressive session

But for over 100 fans who watched the training yesterday, they will have left hoping Massa replicates the form he exuded in an 11-a-side practice. The striker was impressive overall, scoring twice – against goalkeepers Abel Dhaira and Hamza Muwonge – and creating the other for Robert Ssentongo in his side’s 3-0 win.

“I’ve always told you Massa is a fantastic player but he does not get the recognition he deserves,” said Bobby. Bobby also tried defenders Hassan Wasswa, Isaac Isinde and Henry Kalungi – who joined camp yesterday with Dhaira and Tonny Mawejje, in central paring with Andy Mwesigwa as he seeks a replacement for suspended Ibrahim Sekagya.

But doubts remain on first choice keeper Dennis Onyango, who struggled with an ankle injury although he remains positive he will be fine.

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