When Oscar Kalyango was dropped for the team that faced Kenya in return leg of the Elgon Cup last month in Kampala, the move sent a big statement.
As Uganda won the Elgon Cup, Kalyango was always going to have a slim chance of making the team again especially for the Rugby Africa Tier 1B Tournament that starts this weekend in Kampala.
The team was named on Wednesday and the Kobs’ player was missing, a move he is struggling to take in.
It’s (failing to make the squad) a shocker, I never saw it coming because I have given in 101 percent in training despite my demanding work schedule. But am sure the coaches have a valid reason for making the decision
Kalyango told Daily Monitor
However, I am not entirely out. I will be back. It’s not the number of times you fall down that matter but the number of times you get up
Kalyango is the reigning Most Valuable Player in the records of the Uganda Rugby Union (URU) and also the Uganda Sports Press Association Male Rugby Player of the year 2014.
He hasn’t had the best of 2015, starting the year with a knee injury which forced him to decline in form both for his club and the national team.
And he admits not being on the same level like last season, though not being on the 23-man squad for the continental showpiece has added salt to the injury.
Herbert Wafula who is a member of the selection panel defended the move and showed confidence in the players who were summoned.
Everyone on the team is there on merit. We have been following up on every player in training and we have chosen the best possible 23
RUGBY CRANES SQUAD
FORWARDS: Brian Odongo (captain), Martial Tchumukam, Asuman Mugerwa, Denis Mugambe, Alex Mubiru, Cyrus Wathum, Pius Ogena, Arthur Mpande, Mathias Ochwo, Scot Oluoch, Charles Uhuru, John Wandicho, Ronald Musajja
BACKS: Kevin Markmot, Joseph Aredo, Davis Kiwalabye, Chris Lubanga, James Ijongat, James Odongo, Justin Kimono, Lawrence Ssebuliba, Alfred Bijik, Gerald Ssewankambo, Michael Wokorach (vice-captain).
