Uganda Cranes head coach Bobby Williamson has refused to promise victory over African champions, Zambia, when the two sides clash in the last phase of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
In the draws conducted in Johannesburg, South Africa, early this month, the Cranes were pitted against the Chipolopolo with the first leg slated for September 7 in Ndola, while the return leg will be played at Namboole Stadium on October 13.
The Scottish born coach told URN during an interview that although anything is possible in football, he cannot promise victory over Zambia because he does not know what the opponents will do.
Williamson says he can’t take the players or the referees’ mistakes on the day, but promises the Ugandan fans good football in the two legs.
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Speaking about playing the first leg in Zambia, the coach said it was actually what he was praying for before the draws were made. He banks on the Cranes’ improved performance on the road with recent good results away to Guinea Bissau, Kenya and Angola, where the national team registered a victory and two draws respectively. Williamson added that they can get a decent result in Zambia and come back home to try and take advantage with all the support.
About striker Emmanuel Okwi, who landed in Austria on Monday for trials with Red Bull Salzburg, the coach says it’s the best thing for the player and the country. He says the 19-year-old player has what it takes to compete at the very top level. According to Williamson, Okwi has always knocked at the door of the Cranes as a player but has now started to perform. He revealed that Okwi always sent text messages to his coach wondering why he was many times left out of the squad.
Williamson added that if Okwi made the move to Europe it would eventually benefit the whole country because it will open doors for other players and also make the player become more clinical.
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