Mutyaba elated to be back in Cranes set-up

Having last donned the Cranes jersey in 2011, Mutyaba is happy to be recalled after shaking off injury.

2014 WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS

March 24, Group J: Liberia vs. Uganda
Paynesville Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex

Kampala

The news of a national team call-up should always bring a smile to a player’s face and it was not any different with midfielder Mike Mutyaba.

After one year out of the national team, Mutyaba was recalled by Cranes coach Bobby Williamson. The summoned squad start training tomorrow at Mandela National Stadium – Namboole before the trip to Liberia for a World Cup qualifier on March 24.

“I had not known l was summoned,” was Mutyaba’s response when he first learnt of his recall. “I’m now fully fit and ready to play if given a chance by Coach Bobby. “I’m very happy, positive and am looking forward to giving back to the team,” said the former El-Merreikh player.

The TP Mazembe (DR Congo) midfielder returns to the team following a long ankle injury lay-off. He last played for Uganda in the 2012 Afcon qualifier against Kenya on October 8, 2011 at Namboole. He came on as a substitute in the game that ended goalless to bitterly end Uganda’s hopes of qualifying for the finals.

Mutyaba usually plays as an attacking midfielder on the left but has the ability to play effectively on the right or upfront. He says he has so far played seven games and scored one goal since moving to the DRC side in January although the official club website shows he has not played any games yet.

Regarded as one of the most promising youngsters in Uganda, the former Bunnamwaya (now Vipers) player is part of the TP Mazembe squad camped in Zambia ahead of their away Caf Champions League match against Bostwana’s Mochudi Chiefs in Gaborone today.

awasike@ug.nationmedia.com