Ismail D.kigongo
24 August 2008
Uganda Rugby Cranes coach Yayiro Musisi Kasasa is relishing the prospect of retaining the Africa Cup and reaching the 2011 Rugby World Cup (RWC) in New Zealand despite having a tough semi-final against Tunisia.
Having come under heavy scrutiny after losing the Elgon Cup for the second year in a row, the New Zealand-trained coach remains confident of playing at the World Cup finals for the first time.
"Tunisia is a good team just like all the others that get this far. We can only go for the result we need, which is a win," Kasasa told Daily Monitor on Friday.
However, the International Rugby Board (IRB) is still debating whether to make the semis a one or two-legged tie.
One tie favours the higher ranked nation as Tunisia are ranked 29th while Uganda fell from 31st to 38th earlier this week. Despite suggestions of a tough game in Tunis between June and September next year, Kasasa remains optimistic.
"Of course everyone loves playing at home but this team has won away before and we can win anywhere," a confident Kasasa said. "I would prefer to focus on getting each player ready and not what Tunisia can do."
In a related development, the national 7s team will start preparations for the 2010 Rugby World Cup (RWC) qualifiers next week under a South African trainer yet to be named.
In a related development, the national 7s team will start preparations for the 2010 Rugby World Cup (RWC) qualifiers next week under a South African trainer yet to be named.
The qualifiers in which two African countries will make the Dubai event next year are set for Tunis, Tunisia from October 31-November 1.
The 7s specialist will be provided by the South Africa Rugby Board as part of their pledge to aid the development of rugby across the continent.
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