Pirates and Uganda rugby cranes fly half Ivan Magomu has revealed that he was “shocked” at having missed out on the national team selected to represent Uganda in the 2015 Africa Rugby Tier 1B tournament due 5th to 11th July.
Magomu says he could not believe it after putting in a lot of effort to make the final team, during the recent training sessions with new coach John Duncan.
“Personally I was shocked. These two weeks i trained intensively, and i believe i gave my all,” he told Kawowo Sports.
After missing out on a call-up for the Rugby Cranes side that claimed the 2015 Elgon Cup, Magomu felt it was his time to play.
“My time was now,” he wrote on his twitter page.
However former national team player and now coach, Allan Musoke disagreed with the star following a lackluster performance last season.
“If your time was now then u would have been selected. You have not done enuff to get a slot.. Deal!!,” Musoke replied.
“From my angle, you still have to prove that..how, play a full season, play various positions. Then u are ready.” he added.
Missing out on the national team has hurt Magomu several times even after putting in a few impressive drills ahead of tournaments, and now the player suspects personal differences in the camp.
“On the other note i wasn’t so surprised when i was dropped because of some personal differences in the camp which i will keep to myself and a few concerned parties that knew what was going on,” he further revealed.
“Otherwise the team is good, the coaches chose the better players, boys are in high spirits and we are going to support them all keep the way.”
The technical team also dropped Collin Kimbowa, Ronald Adigas, Oscar Klayango and Eric Kasita. Justin Kimono is part of the team after having missed the second round of the Elgon Cup serving a two weeks suspension for head butting Kenyan fly half, Kennedy Moseti in the first leg.
Uganda will start their Africa Rugby campaign against West African side Cote d’Ivoire on July 5, while Madagascar will play Botswana. Mauritius and Senegal will also battle on the same day.
Rugby Cranes Squad: Gerald Ssewankambo, Michael Wokorach, Cyrus Watum, Charles Uhuru, Lawrence Ssebuliba, Davis Kiwalabye, Kevin Makmot, Brian Odongo, Pius Ogena, Scot Oluoch, James Odongo, Alfred Bijik, Chris Lubanga, Martial Tchumcam, Joseph Aredo, John Wandicho, Alex Mubiru, Ronald Musajja, Arthur Mpande, Asuman Mugerwa, Justin Kimono, James Ijongat and Denis Mugambe
