Ismail Dhakaba Kigongo
15 July 2011
Rugby Cranes team management has kept faith in the bulk of the side that lost 27-10 to Kenya in the first leg of the Elgon Cup last weekend for the return fixture at Kyadondo tomorrow.
Loose head prop Oscar Ochulu makes way for the experienced Ronald Adigasi with the latter having missed the first leg due to a stiff back on the morning of that game.
The return of lock Romano Ogwal, who did not travel to Nairobi due to family commitments, means Timothy Kabonero is again relegated to the bench barely a week after his first start for the national team.
Ogwal is expected to sort out the team’s jumping at line-outs but there are no places for prop Arthur Mukama and scrum-half Faisal Gamma after their bench appearances in Nairobi. Centre Oscar Kalyango takes one of the slots.
Uganda needs to win by at least 17 points to reclaim the Elgon Cup for the first time in five years. During the first leg, strong forward play put the visitors in the driving seat for about 55 minutes before a collapse gave Kenya the advantage.
Maintaining that intensity is coach Yayiro Kasasa’s biggest task and captain Timothy Mudoola who will start on the back row. “I think we are very close. It’s just a few small things here and there,” Kasasa said.
His prediction of ‘havoc’ prior to the first tie was felt by his opposite Mike ‘Tank Otieno. “Our kicking was not strategic as it gave Uganda a lot of possession and territory,” said Otieno after making four changes to his team.
Concussions have forced out eighth man Duncan Ekasi and centre Humphrey Kayange with Victor Odour and Kelvin Omiyo taking their slots respectively.
Burly prop Daniel Kiptoo and fly half Isaac Adimo are part of Otieno’s tactical strategy as he rests Curtis Lilako and Ken Andola.
Uganda’s starting 15
A. Musoke, J. Kimono, M. Wokorach, E. Kingasia, J. Onen, B. Kiiza, A. Matsiko, A. Olweny, T. Mudoola, R. Seguya, R. Ogwal, S. Oluoch, B. Odong, A. Mubiru, R. Adigasi
Replacements
S. Mawanda, D. Mugambe, T. Kabonero, R. Musajja, A. Kinene, L. Wakabi, O. Kalyango
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Uganda: Kasasa Makes Three Changes