Ssimbwa experiment in defensive crisis pays off for URA

KAMPALA. URA coach Sam Ssimbwa is impressed with how his players are responding to the injury crisis facing the club.
Ssimbwa has continued to name forward players in defence yet goal keeper James Alitho is touted as the best striker available.

After Friday’s narrow 1-0 win over Ndejje University at Namboole, Ssimbwa said that he was delighted with how his players had responded.
“We have a limited squad but the attitude of my players is genuinely positive,” he told Daily Monitor.

Forward Ronald Kigongo had never played as a defender throughout his career, yet the 21-year-old is now the first choice at the right back.
Holding midfielder Hood Mulikyi has been selected to pair Patrick Mbowa in central defence. Allan Mugalu, who was acquired from Big League side Kyetume for the role, is still injured yet the defence has not been breached.

Decent results
They won 2-0 against Paidha Black Angels on the opening day, drew 0-0 with Express in the second game before Friday’s 1-0 victory over Ndejje.
Ahead of Friday’s tie with Ndejje, only Matthew Odongo, off colour Robert Mukongotya and teenager Joachim Ojera were available for selection in attack. Had it not been a last minute injury to Nafian Alionzi, Alitho, who was the top scorer of the Fufa Drum tournament, was supposed to lead the striking line.

That leaves Ssimbwa with a dilemma. Kigongo has impressed in his new role yet he makes marauding runs most of which, end up with inviting crosses.
Yet Mulikyi, even with Yeseri Waibi’s poor form, has managed a clean sheet so far.

Ssimbwa says that he does not care who plays where, but rather chooses his players based on what is available.
“I’m not so sure it’s always the system that we play, I think it’s about the players that you have,” the former Express coach explained.

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