URA face Rayon Sport in Kagame Cup opener
Posted By Online Reporter at 28 July, at 15 : 54 PM Print
Douglas Bugingo
Enterprising goalkeeper Abel Dhaira will make his debut for Uganda Revenue Authority when they face Rwandan champions Rayon Sport today.
It is the Group B opening game at the Cecafa Club Championship in Morogoro, Tanzania. Dhaira, who was signed from Express FC just seven days ago, but coach Moses Basena has trusted him ahead of regular starter Frank Muwonge.
“Dhaira has great confidence in himself and this is good for the team. He has good command and great leadership qualities while in goal. So he deserves to start the game,” said Basena.
Dhaira burst into prominence last season with his penalty saving heroics for Express FC in the Confederations Cup. URA lost their opening game 0-1 to lowly SID (Djibouti) at the same tournament last year in Kigali and Basena is keen for a good start.
“It is a very tricky group and the only way to get out of it, is to win our two games with a big goal margin,” he said. Injured defender Sam Mubiru has been ruled out of the game and Cranes midfielder Johnson Bagole could be moved into defense.
“We had a technical committee meeting and decided that Bagoole is moved to right back. He will play it well because he has was good in training while playing there,” said Basena.
Musa Doca, David Kyobe and Joseph Owino complete the back four.
Tony Mawejje and Manco Kawesa have been handed central midfield roles, with diminutive right winger Dan Wagaluka expected to create along with Eric Obua.
Martin Muwanga and Robert Okello will spearhead the hunt for goals as URA seek to emulate the team that reached the final last season.
“I am sure this team is capable of anything. I can not write off Rayon Sport because I know they are a good side, but we came for a mission and we shall accomplish it,” Basena said.
Rayon Sport has several national team stars.
