Former players tip Rugby Cranes to beat Namibia
Man in form: Rugby Cranes lock Uhuru has scored tries in matches against Kenya, Senegal and Tunisia. PHOTO BY Ismail Kezaala
What you need to know:
- Rugby. Eleven years ago, Edmond Tumusiime, Simon Wakabi and Allan Musoke were part of
a Rugby Cranes squad that shocked Namibia in Kampala.
Kampala. The Rugby Cranes host Africa champions Namibia on Saturday in a Gold Cup tie at Legends.
The last time the two met at the same venue, then known as Kampala Rugby Club, was in 2006 when Uganda stunned the World Cup-bound Welwitschias 20-19 to send shockwaves in the game.
Edmond Tumusiime, Allan Musoke and Simon Wakabi all played in that historical game with Musoke and Wakabi scoring a try apiece. The trio knows what it takes to overpower Namibia.
“It was a tough game because this was the strongest side we had ever played,” recalls Tumusiime. “They had a complete structure with great knowledge of the game,” he says.
As predicted by majority, Namibia were quick off the blocks with two tries and could have added a third had it not been for a knock-on in Uganda’s five yard area, something Tumusiime believes was the turning point.
“They quickly scored two tries and we looked overwhelmed. They were about to add a third but their fullback lost the ball forward and we survived going three tries down which was going to be very hard to recover from. I think that was the turning point,” reasons perhaps Uganda’s greatest fly half.
Tumusiime also believes the current side has Coach Robert Seguya’s grit and aggression written all over it and that they can win on Saturday if the crowd gets behind them.
“I played with Seguya and know him very well; the grit in this side has everything to do with him. If they minimize on the mistakes and use their chances with the crowd behind them, they can win,” he adds.
Wakabi has demanded Seguya’s side to ‘believe’. “Rugby is a mental game,” notes Wakabi. “The lads should believe they can win. They are playing the best and have nothing to lose therefore they should give their best,” explains the former Cranes fullback.
Another legend Allan Musoke thinks defence will be key. “We must defend really well because Namibia has very brilliant and hard runners; our best players should also seize the moment and stand out like Seguya, Adrian Bukenya, Tumusiime and Wakabi did for us.”
Africa gold cup
Saturday 2pm
Uganda vs. Namibia, Legends
In Harare, 4pm
Zimbabwe vs. Kenya
