The Cranes are yet to recover from the Zambia friendly game that gave their coach Bobby real homework. Another task awaits them in the next eight days- the Angola qualifier game on September 4 this year.

But the Cranes have not had a meaningful technical adjustment onto the team, something that is gravely worrying the public whose hearts and mindset is fixed practically on the nation qualifying for the 2012 Nations finals co-hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.

For FUFA, there should have been a "once beaten", "twice shy" notion. They have not taken up the concept in light of the fact that Fufa have on two occasions failed to raise the bar at two consecutive Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Bobby must be worried as a professional trainer who knows every bit about a professional game of football. The Scot's worry, however, is technical, having to do with who starts for the team and who plays in which position.

At the same time, though Bobby might want an experienced side against not only Angola but throughout the entire qualification campaign, his experienced and professional team of players has not been actively participating in their respective clubs while others were greatly affected with inactivity due to the off-session.

The national team will at this campaign battle for places against neighbours; Kenya, Angola and Guinea-Bissau over six good matches on a home and away basis.

To be sure of the ticket, Cranes, as a must, are expected to win all three home games and also amass over three points at away legs. This, to many on both general and technical opinion in the country, looks a very hard task for the team that looks not set for anything at the moment.

Generally, the Cranes are only about 30% ready yet they are meant to be standing at over 70% or above now. Also Cranes has not assembled together all the players who, according to the public, matter to the team.

"At least the biggest number of professionals must be here for the coach to test them and to blend them together with some locals who to the technical team are good and promising," said a fan.

On the technical grounds, the team is currently struggling with form and capability of certain players. The coach was last week forced to make national team call-ups even for those currently injured.

Call-ups
Former Ibrahim Sekagya's partner at the heart of Cranes defense, Timothy Batabaire, was under-looked by Coach Bobby following his dip in form and replaced by Joseph Owino and Isaac Isinde.

However, many assert that the pair of Owino and Sekagya in the defense unit is one that has several loopholes. The two have not partnered before at a major event.

Left flanker David Obua and Nestrooy Kizito seemed to be ruled out of the Angola game due to injuries. Both reliable players are missing links with torn muscle and knee injury respectively and could be out of action for a month.

Despite problems in other  team's departments, Bobby's mission should be creating a midfield unit that could hold and create scoring chances as opposed to the wings that have failed to raise the Cranes bar.

NIC insures Cranes
National Insurance Corporation limited has, as a motivational gesture, taken up the lead as the Cranes official insurers.

At a ceremony to unveil the package, NIC Management Director Samson Akinwale and Fufa officials signed an insurance policy worth shs660m that covers all players, coaching staff and team doctor against deaths and injuries leading to permanent disability. Such cases should have been sustained on the official engagements. It covers training as well as travels to and from matches.

Full list (Pros)
D.Onyango, A.Mwesigwa, I.Sekagya, J.Owino, N.Kizito, V.Kayizzi, T.Mawejje, P.Ochan, B.Umony, G.Massa, R.Ssentongo, G.Sserunkuma, D.Obua and H.Wasswa.

(Locals)
R.Odongkara, H.Muwonge, S.Masaba, D.Walulya, H.Kavuma, D.Walusimbi, M.Doka, I.Isinde J.Mukubya, S.Bengo, D.Wagaluka, S.matovu H.Kisseka, O.Kasule, T.Odur, M.sserumaga and R.Kimuli. blog comments powered by Disqus

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