Rugby Cranes embrace new leadership

Newly appointed Rugby Cranes captain Asuman Mugerwa has a herculean task ahead . Eddie Chicco

What you need to know:

  • He only returned last year with the same hunger he has possessed since bursting onto the scene in 2008 at 18.
  • Former Cranes leaders include Adrian Bukenya, Alex Mubiru, Mathias Ochwo, Peter Magona ,Herbert Wafula, Robert Seguya, John Musoke, Moses Soita, and Michael Wokorach.

Tomorrow fixtures
Uganda vs. Kenya 4pm Legends
UMU vs. UCU 2:30pm
Kyambogo vs. MUK 11:30am

KAMPALA. Since 2014, Brian Odongo and Michael Wokorach have led the Rugby Cranes onto the turf as captain and vice-captain respectively. But they will be fans for tomorrow`s Elgon Cup tie as Asuman Mugerwa and Justin Kimono take on the mantle for the first time in a competitive game.

Odongo, the longest serving Cranes skipper, underwent knee surgery earlier this month, keeping him on the side-lines until further notice while his former deputy Wokorach, was not named in tomorrow`s squad for undisclosed reasons.

With Odongo recovering from surgery, fans expected Wokorach to replace him as captain but Cranes coach Robert Seguya had the plot twisted with a fresh approach, going for one of his loyal blokes in Asuman Mugerwa, who debuted in 2012.

“I need someone who will lead the side as the rest look up to him and he has it all,” Seguya told Daily Monitor after naming Mugerwa as his captain.

For Kimono (VC), being a leader in the Cranes set up is not something new. He was named deputy captain alongside Romano Ogwal with Odongo as captain by Peter Magona in 2014 although injury kept him out for Wokorach to take his place.

He only returned last year with the same hunger he has possessed since bursting onto the scene in 2008 at 18.

“It’s good to be fully back and healthy to play with some responsibility on my shoulders because I enjoy competition. Kenya is the ideal opponent and I hope win will make the fans proud on Saturday,” Kimono told this reporter.

Former Cranes leaders include Adrian Bukenya, Alex Mubiru, Mathias Ochwo, Peter Magona, Herbert Wafula, Robert Seguya, John Musoke, Moses Soita, and Michael Wokorach.

Tomorrow’s match day squad
Backs: Aaron Ofoyrwoth, Ian Muyani, Phillip Wokorach, Ivan Kirabo, Ivan Magomu, James Odongo, Pius Ogena, Eric Mula, Justin Kimono (VC)
Forwards: Simon Olet, Musa Muwonge, Paul Ssekate, Adnan Mutebi, Saul Kivumbi, Asuman Mugerwa (captain), Nathan Bwambale, Edgar Pajob, Robert Aziku, Elphaz Emong, Byron Okketayot, Brian Asaba, Marvin Odongo.