URA FC skipper Manko Kawesa talked to Kawowo sports ahead of the highly anticipated Bell Uganda finals between league Champions URA FC and Bunamwaya SC. The final of the 37th edition of Uganda’s traditional competition will be held at Pece Stadium in Gulu district this Saturday. The dreadlocked skipper is confident his side can win the competition and also go on to lift the league. He however has so much respect for Saturday’s opponents. Below are the full excerpts.
Q. Hello Manko, how are you doing these days?
Ans. Am fine, just in mood for the Saturday final.
Q. How are you guys preparing for the Bunamwaya SC game?
Ans. We are taking it as any other game. The only difference is that this a cup final. However, we are just in the mood for the game. All the focus has shifted to the game for now.
Q. About the game itself, where do you think you guys have the upper hand over Bunamwaya SC?
Ans. Pedigree. We have been in the finals three times, won one and lost two. They are in the finals for the first time. That alone gives us more confidence. Secondly, our squad is more experienced than theirs. We have winners in the team.
Q. Who is that special player in Bunamwaya SC that you are afraid will hurt you?
Ans. Bunamwaya SC is generally a good team. All their departments function well especially their forwards. I won’t single out any. However, our forwards are far better compared to theirs.
Q. What about their weakness?
Ans. Like I told you, the team is all fine. The weakness I can point out is that unlike us, their only source of goals is their forward line yet at URA FC, every one can score. Just take this into perspective, I score goals, Feni scores goals, Ssentongo and even Masaba from the right back also score goals. No reliance on strikers. Feni Moses from midfield is our top scorer in the competition.
Q. As a skipper, does winning the double come into your mind going into the finals?
Ans. Of course yes. Its memorable becoming the first captain to lift the double for the club. That alone is an inspiration going into the finals. However, the focus is now on the final and not the league. It’s good we are on top of the league table and hope we stay there till the end of the season which am certain we can.
Q. You beat Bunamwaya SC in the league this season. Do you think this gives you a psychological advantage going into the finals?
Ans. Not really but somehow, we hope it plays on their heads. ( laughs ).
Q. What is your take on the state of the Pece pitch?
Ans. I was disappointed when I saw the pictures of the pitch in one of the dailies. The surface is terrible from what I saw. However, we can’t use that as excuse come Saturday. Too bad we may not play our passing game and yet the fans want that. The same applies to Buna since they are traditionally a ball passing side.
Q. Your last word to the URA FC fans and the soccer fraternity in general?
Ans. I thank them for the support and request them to come in numbers to Gulu to cheer us. We are going for nothing but the Uganda Cup. Big up to Kawowo sports.