International Friendly Match: Tuesday, 31st May 2016
- Zimbabwe Vs Uganda – Rufaro Stadium, Mbare – Harare
- 3:00 p.m in Zimbabwe (4:00 p.m, Uganda)
- Charges: $1 (General Wing), $3 (VIP) & $10 (VVIP)
Follow Live updates on Kawowo Sports (Facebook & Twitter)
St George and Uganda Cranes goalkeeper Robert Odongkara is ready to prove that he has matured and ready for the big stage.
Still basking in the shadow of the unstoppable first choice Dennis Onyango, the St George goalie believes it is time to prove to the world his potentiality.
I did not come here to rest.
I am ready to play a big role and help the team win
For years now, Odongkara has played second fiddle to Onyango in the Uganda Cranes’ pecking order.
During the Monday training session at Rufaro in Harare, Odongkara held several workouts with the goalkeeping coach, Fred Kajoba for almost 40 minutes before he was tested out during a short game for about 15 minutes.
The former Entebbe Parents, Entebbe Sportive, Sports Club Villa Jogoo, and Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) lanky goalkeeper has been a loyal servant for Uganda Cranes but behind Onyango for a long time now.
Kajoba hails Odongkara’s work ethic, game reading and strong catch (grip) of the ball.
Uganda has a quite number of good goalkeepers.
But when you look around, Onyango, Odongkara, Jamal, Watenga and may be Benja (Ochan Benjamin) have been consistent.
Odongkara remains number two to Onyango because he is committed especially in training. He has good command of the game and excellent grip.
Uganda (FUFA) needs to plan special goalkeeping clinic to help pull the rest.
What will happen when thus generation goes away?
Odongkara is expected to start in goal in the match against Zimbabwe given the fact that Onyango arrives hours to the game from South Africa.
Odongkara and defender Isaac Isinde were picked from Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa as the team had a three hour stoppage on the way from Entebbe International Airport.
Micho however plans to use Onyango for at least 45 minutes in the game that will be played at Rufaro stadium on astro turf.
