Ex-Uganda coach Williamson tips Cranes to edge past Ghana for AFCON spot

Published on: 11 September 2014
Ex-Uganda coach Williamson tips Cranes to edge past Ghana for AFCON spot
Williamson says Uganda can edge past Ghana to qualify for AFCON

Ex-Uganda coach Bobby Williamson says the Cranes' blistering start to the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers mean they can edge Ghana to clinch the ticket for the tournament in Morocco early next year.

The Scottish coach, who is now in charge of a Kenya's top-flight side , says he is not surprised by Uganda Cranes’ astounding performance in the on-going qualifiers.

The Scot, who left Cranes after five years to join Kenyan league champions Gor Mahia, says Uganda are now enjoying fruits of the foundation he set up during his tenure.

Cranes moved to the top of Group ‘E’ albeit on goal difference after demolishing Guinea 2-0 at Namboole Stadium on Wednesday with Geoffrey Massa notching a brace. In their first match on Saturday, Uganda were denied a win by Ghana after the hosts came from behind to draw 1-1.

“I am very proud of them and the fact remains I am not surprised because this is my foundation. I did a lot during the five years I handled Cranes and now you can see they have started reaping from the foundation I laid down,” Williamson told New Vision in Nairobi.

“I watched them (Cranes) play against Ghana away and Guinea in Kampala on Wednesday and I want to confess that the team is going places. This is the right time for them to reach Afcon final with proper preparations.

“They have all the ingredients a team requires to prosper. I worked very hard during my time with the team and my plan was to see the team perform even better within a period of time and that is happening now. I want to wish them well in these qualifiers because I have a feeling they can do it.”

Williamson twice came close to taking Uganda to Cup of Nations final after 35 years of waiting but failed in the last hurdle to Kenya and Zambia respectively. This prompted Federation of Uganda Football Association (Fufa) to show him the exit door.

Williamson now wants to replicate the same in Kenya after signing a two year renewable deal to handle Harambee Stars. “We are capable of doing the same in Kenya.

“"We must start building a team now and that is why we need support of everyone. Football Kenya Federation has promised to offer technical bench support and ours will be to deliver results and lay out a strong foundation."

The Scot started his reign as Harambee Stars coach with a 1-0 defeat to Egypt in a friendly played in Aswan Stadium a week ago.

"We want to cast our net wider in search for players to turn out for the national team. It will not be an issue of depending on players from top three teams in Kenyan league.

“We have laid down our plans and in two years time you will notice a very big difference."

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