Odongo eager to return
Odongo in action in his last game for Uganda in 2014. Photo by Eddie Chicco
KAMPALA. After two years out of the national team with a recurrent shoulder injury, Marvin Odongo is fit again and raring to go.
The eighth man is in line to return this weekend when Uganda open their tier q1A campaign against Namibia on Saturday at Kyadondo RFC.
Probably the most complete player in the country, Odongo’s presence in any team comes as a bonus. At least Cranes coach Robert Seguya thinks so.
“He’s first of all a leader, the side is young and it needs more leaders aboard,” he said of Odongo.
“His game has greatly matured and he’s not afraid to take on anyone which makes him offer a lot to the team,” added Seguya, “I’m glad he`s back in shape.”
Humbled
Seguya’s remarks on Odongo have left the player humbled and eager to impress. “I guess he has a lot of belief in me and trusts that am a good fit for his system, I feel honoured, good and ready win.”
Odongo suffered what looked a simple shoulder injury in 2012 while representing Makerere University in the inter-university games.
Unattended to, the injury culminated into recurrent dislocations which eroded the cartilage in the socket thus creating a button hole which kept him out for nine months after opting for surgery.
Excited by his recovery, the 24-year-old knows how huge a task it will be staying in 1A but that has not stopped him from believing.
“Despite the fact that the odds are stacked against us, we can win 1A.
The team has belief and it’s gelling well,” said the Pirates former captain.
“We don’t want to just participate but win and that is why we are working so hard,” he added.
Marvin Odongo at a glance
D.O.B: 12 Nov 1992
National caps: 12
Cranes tries: 1
Position: Eighth man
Team: Pirates
Cranes Debut: Elgon Cup vs Kenya in 2014 ( home).
