Eden Kironde & Innocent Ndawula
25 September 2007
Kampala — Uganda Rugby Cranes' preparations ahead of the semi-final against Kenya tomorrow have been superb and the conditions in Madagascar, too, are favouring Uganda.
Speaking to the national coaching director David Dobela on phone from Madagascar, he described the weather as conducive.
"It is hot here but it is okay," said Dobela. "But that will not hinder us in any way. In fact we are playing at midday. The weather is similar to that back home in Kampala." "We had our first training today morning (yesterday) and the touchdowns from the guys were really good," he added.
Aside from the weather, the South African tactician commended the preparations and the team's attitude going into the tie.
"The team is hungrier this time than the last time we played against Kenya," said Dobela in reference to the last meeting of the two sides in the Elgon Cup."
"The guys are better prepared, united and in shape. We know the whole country is behind us and the guys will do their best to get the win against Kenya," added Dobela.
Commenting on the team's build up, G4S Pirates head coach Sam Hamya, fresh from guiding the Kampala RFC outfit to the Uganda Cup triumph, sounded optimistic.
"The preparations in South Africa were a necessary evil. The team is more psyched up," said Hamya in an exclusive chat with Daily Monitor during the second 7s circuit, won by MTN Heathens over the weekend.
"Although I think the Rugby Cranes technical team should have insisted on a friendly with Pretoria University. In rugby, you can only gauge your form if you play more," he added.
Hamya revealed that playing in Madagascar would be to Cranes advantage because unlike Uganda who have played their before, Kenya will be making a maiden appearance.
"If Dobela and Yayiro Kasasa (head coach) get the best team with the right combinations on the field, then Uganda will win because the players too, are equally hungry for success," he concluded.
Second 7s circuit winners
Main Cup - MTN Heathens
Plate - G4S Pirates
Bowl - Mongers
Shield - Cerudeb Rhino
CAR Africa Cup semis
Tomorrow 12 p.m
Kenya v Uganda
Madagascar v Ivory Coast
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