Uganda: Mckinstry’s Potential Army for Work in South Sudan

10/22/2020 World



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It has been eight months since Ugandan Cranes footballers practicing locally last played a competitive match, blaming the disruptive Coronavirus.

The first time the Cranes players sold out together was a fortnight ago when they spent a week with coach Johnny McKinstry and his staff in Dubai. Even then, delays in approving travel for the group of players from Kampala to the UAE split three days out of what would have been nine. That also went into team planning. They were hoping to play a local club in Dubai so that McKinstry would assess the fitness levels of his players in a match situation, which never happened.

Clear options

That almost left the Northern Irishman few options but to go with the ones already in motion. The 25-man team McKinstry will name today to face South Sudan consecutively in next month’s Afcon 2022 qualifiers could therefore have as many as, perhaps, just three local players. “We made it clear that to play for Uganda you have to play and have a club,” McKinstry told us recently.

Opportunities opened

This opens up opportunities for overseas rookies like 19-year-old forward Roy Jayden Onen (Reading), the son of a Ugandan immigrant and British mother, and the very promising right-back Elvis Bwomono from Southend. However, while Onen has played all four Reading U23 games so far this season, Allan Okello’s significant experience from Paradou, Algeria on the continent could win him the attacking spot ahead of the England-based teenager. For his part, Bwomono, who has appeared in all six with Southend in the English Championship, has more possibilities given his versatility. The 25-year-old Bwomono was named his club’s Player of the Month six times in a row last season, and he’s started strong too. He can play on the baseline, is good at tackle and advances, and his crossing has given his club several assists. Bwomono could also be good competition and cover for Nicholas Wadada, whose season is underway with Azam in Tanzania, and Bevis Mugabi, based in England. Host Khalid Aucho, whose Egyptian club asked McKinstry not to call him for the Dubai trip, should be available, while Mamelodi Sundowns and Cranes captain Dennis Onyango should resume his duties.

Forward Uche Mubiru Ikpeazu has just recovered from a hamstring injury at Wycombe Wanderers and has played just one game this season; But the fact that McKinstry ranks him high has him in for a great opportunity. Derrick Nsibambi, very active with Smouha, should make the cut. Emmanuel Okwi spent about seven months in Uganda during the running of the bulls and has played for his Egyptian club Ittihad only once as a substitute this past weekend. McKinstry might take into account that Okwi is using the best training and coaching facilities at his club, and his experience, to call him.

Tighter November window

The name of the Israeli trio consisting of winger Kizito Luwagga, forward Fahad Bayo and defender Timothy Awany, plus Chicago Fire (USA) midfielder Mike Azira, who reportedly missed camp in Dubai due to travel restrictions.

Daily Monitor understands that while travel restrictions have affected companies around the world, clubs are said to have taken advantage of relaxed international layoff rules to retain their players in the October window.

However, while the October break was not mandatory due to the relaxed measures, the November break will be severely observed around the world, with no league matches being held. That would mean that the national teams will have their players.