Duncan urges Rugby Cranes to step up a gear against Namibia

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Rugby. South African respects Namibia but reckons Uganda can beat them in Saturday’s clash at Kyadondo.

KAMPALA.

Rugby Cranes coach John Duncan has made a plea to his charges to produce their best show when they take on Namibia tomorrow at Kyadondo RFC in the Africa Rugby 1A Championship.
Speaking at Kyadondo after selecting the 23-man squad for the game, the South African admitted that Cranes carry the underdogs’ tag but collective responsibility can help them pull off a David versu Goliath tale. “They (Namibia) are a good side but we can’t just watch on as they play. We too have to play and the players should be on top of their game to get a good result,” he said.
The selectors rang some changes with Marvin Odongo, Collins Kimbowa, Brian Asaba and Lawrence Ssebuliba as the new additions to the side that lost 48-10 to Kenya in the Elgon Cup first leg last month.
Ssebuliba’s inclusions means Michael Wokorach returns to outside centre with Oscar Kalyango dropping to the bench as Gerard Ssewankambo retains his place at inside centre. Kevin Markmot has also been relegated to the bench as Davis Kyewalabye starts at scrumhalf. “The competition for places has been healthy and everyone was given equal opportunity to fight for a place,” stressed Duncan. The coach has also challenged rugby authorities in the country to keep the core of the current team together as he expects a bright future from them.
“This is a very exciting team and I think going forward for a country like Uganda, they need to keep them together for long and they’ll do very well,” he noted.
Meanwhile, the centre referee for Saturday’s game Fhatuwani ‘Rasta’ Rasivhenge will be in charge of his first Test.
The South African, who has officiated in World Series 7s circuits since 2011, Super Rugby, Vodacom Cup, Varsity Cup and the 2014 Commonwealth Games, felt privileged on receiving the news. “I never imagined that I would become a Test referee at 30 but persistence combined with ambition pays off,” Rasivhenge told South African referees’ website www.sareferees.com.

RUGBY CRANES SQUAD
Asuman Mugerwa, Cyrus Wathum, Brian Odongo (captain), Charles Uhuru, Byron Oketayot, Ronald Musajja, Pius Ogena, Marvin Odongo, Davis Kiwalyabye, Chris Lubanga, Lawrence Ssebuliba, Gerald Sewankambo, Michael Wokorach, James Odong, Phillip Wokorach, Eric Kasiita, Collins Kimbowa, Saul Kivumbi, John Wandicho, Bryan Asaba, Kevin Makmot, Oscar Kalyango, Joseph Aredo