Midfielders Juma, Lwanga itch for chance to impress

KAMPALA.

In the race of a heightened race for midfield slots, local based midfielders Tadeo Lwanga and Sadam Juma are not giving up on making it into the starting team when Uganda Cranes take on Tanzania this weekend at Namboole.
Juma, who has made great strides with KCCA in the Caf Champions League, believes it is time he contributed to the national team cause after a long time on the sidelines.
“I take this as a glorious opportunity to play and help my nation. It gives me joy that my services are required in Cranes qualifying bid,” he told Daily Monitor yesterday.
“There is competition in the midfield but everyone knows what is needed.
“The battle for slots may be high at the moment but what comes in our minds is getting maximum points on Saturday. It is an honor for a player in the local league to be in the national team,” he added.

Aiming for cut
Vipers skipper Lwanga, who like Juma will vie for the central midfield positions with professionals Hassan Wasswa, Moses Opondo and Khalid Aucho is optimistic he can make the final cut.
“The competition is healthy but whoever works hard will get the chance to play.
I can’t say I’m lucky to be here but it has been due to hard work, we played in with Cranes in the regional tours in Mbale and Mbarara and I believe I’m fit for the game just like the professional players.”
Since impressing head coach Sebastien Desabre with his good work ethic in the January Chan tourney in Morocco, the former SC Villa midfield anchor has been integral in the Frenchman’s national team plans. Ordinary tickets will be going for Shs15,000.