‘Micho’ promises better Uganda in next WCQ matches

by Graeme Jackson

Saturday Sep 11, 2021. 10:00

Uganda coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic has promised that his side will up their performance for the next pair of 2022 World Cup Qualifying Group E matches.

The Cranes began their group stage campaign with successive 0-0 draws away to Kenya and at home to Mali on September 2 and 6 respectively.

The results see Uganda level with Kenya on two points, while Mali lead the way with four points and Rwanda prop up the table with one point.

Micho’s team will next have back-to-back matches against Rwanda, first playing the Amavubi away on October 6-9, before hosting the return game on October 10-12.

The Serbian coach acknowledges that his side have been underwhelming in their first two matches, but firmly believes that they will be better next month.

“Players are not like phones that you touch one button and they instantly work,” Micho is quoted by the Daily Monitor.

“These are human beings and we are in transition, and mistakes will happen as we continue learning.

“You are facing a Mali midfield of experienced players playing in UEFA Champions League, and we have our boy, Bobosi Byaruhanga, who played the U-20 AFCON finals, with them.

“You can’t compare but at the same time, that is the experience you want to give to a young boy we think can go on to dominate that area for next 10 years.”

Getting a strong haul of points from the next two games will be vital if Uganda are to keep alive hopes of a first-ever qualification for the finals of the World Cup.

“The matches against Rwanda are now the most important, and the preparations have already started,” explained Uganda’s coach, who is happy that several key men will sharpen their skills with high-profile club games between now and then.

“We are going to continue working with the local based players to build upon this.

“Khalid Aucho (Yanga) and Joseph Ochaya (TP Mazembe) are going to be playing in the CAF Champions League matches.

“Emmanuel Okwi (Cranes captain) will also be playing either in South Africa or North Africa, let’s see how that goes, and goalkeeper Robert Odongkara will also have a club.”

He added, “We also hope Farouk Miya, who scored that goal that took us to Gabon AFCON 2017, will have settled after sorting his club movement issues.

“Taddeo Lwanga and Patrick Kaddu, we are confident, will have also recovered from injuries and then we shall see the real Cranes.”