Kampala — Rugby Cranes 7s team captain Allan Musoke is confident his team has the necessary ingredients to rise to the occasion and qualify for the 2009 Sevens Rugby World Cup (RWC) in Dubai.

The 7s side that has lived in the success-shadow of its 15s colleagues who have risen up the ladder to becoming African Champions, begins its qualifying campaign today against Tunisia 11 and Namibia.

Musoke's words cannot be taken lightly considering the fact that the 12-man team selected to represent Uganda is littered with experienced big-hearted men, eight of whom have featured on the national 15s side.

"We have no option but to qualify. If we don't win it, then I'm positive we shall reach the final. At the end of the qualifier, there is also the small matter of financial motivation for us. We have to go for it," Musoke told Daily Monitor.

Automatic berths

Three automatic berths are at stake for the top three sides and the Rugby Cranes will be seeking nothing short of victory when they kick start their campaign with a relatively easy fixture against Tunisia II, the understudy side of the hosts at 10.20a.m at the El-Menzah National Stadium.

The second and last rubber of the day will be against two-time RWC finalists Namibia with only the top two making it to the Main Cup quarterfinals.

For coach John Musoke, who also doubles as national 15s skipper, the chance is similar to a date with destiny. "We know nothing about our opponents but we have the tactical nous to beat anyone. We have a lot of experience both on the pitch and bench to win all our games," said Musoke.

The dugout has lots of maturity vested in the superior technical wing of 63-year-old former South Africa Springboks coach Norman Mbiko and Coaching Director David Dobela. Uganda's games won't be the only attraction as there are 10 others games on the cards with Kenya odds-on favourites to make the 7s RWC for a third straight year.

Zambia was expected in Tunis late yesterday while there was no communication from Cameroon, Madagascar and Nigeria on their arrival times by press time.

Ugandan team: Jonathan Onen, Michael Wokorach, Brian Kikawa, Chris Lubanga, Timothy Mudoola, Mathias Ochwo, Allan Musoke (Captain), Richard Lumu, Ronnie Lutakome, Joel Anguyo, Robert Sseguya, Edmond Tumusiime.

Today in Tunis

Tunisia II v Uganda 10.20a.m

Uganda v Namibia 3p.m