Mudoola recalled to 7s fold

Return of the Tim: Mudoola will add a lot to the national sevens side both on and off pitch, according to coach Onyango. FILE PHOTO

What you need to know:

  • Rugby. The 33-year-old veteran last represented Uganda in the shorter version of the game in 2010 at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India.

KAMPALA.

Timothy Mudoola will don the national team jersey during the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series in Dubai and Cape Town after being named in the side for the first time in seven years.
The veteran last represented Uganda in the shorter version of the game in 2010 at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India where Uganda was stopped in the bowl semifinal, courtesy to a 22-17 defeat to Canada. He also captained the Cranes’ side that emerged plate winners at the 2006 Safaricom Sevens.
Mudoola was a vocal fan in the stands as Uganda won the Africa Rugby Sevens Championship last month. Consequently, the national sevens side qualified for next year’s World Cup in USA and received invites for the Dubai and Cape Town HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series legs like was the case last year after winning the African title in Nairobi.
With the recall, coach Tolbert Onyango sees a player who can add a lot to the side both on and off pitch in Mudoola.
“We needed a forward who can also play as a center,” Oyango told Daily Monitor before highlighting Mudoola’s role in the side even when not playing.
“He is a leader who can advise the younger players on different issues and he also comes with lots of experience,” he added.
Mudoola had a good sevens season, helping Betway Kobs to a third National Sevens title in a row. The 33-year-old joined the national side’s training sessions as a player although he had already been offering Onyango help.
“I was definitely shocked with the news,” Mudoola said of his inclusion. “It’s a mixed feeling because it comes with excitement of making the team and at the same time pressure to perform at that stage. It’s been long but I will pull through.”
Onyango’s side will have its last training session on Sunday before departing for Dubai then Cape Town a week later. Uganda is in pool B with Kenya, Canada and South Africa in the Dubai leg scheduled for December 1-2.

NATIONAL SEVENS TEAM
Eric Kasiita (Captain), James Odongo, Pius Ogena, Kevin Kermundu, Phillip Wokorach (Ass. Captain), Micheal Wokorach, Solomon Okia, Joseph Aredo, Aaron Ofoyrwoth, Desire Ayera, James Ijongat , Timothy Mudoola