Uganda Cranes coach Paul Joseph Put was once again in front of the media to brief them ahead of the crunch tie against neighbours Tanzania at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.
Uganda will take on Tanzania on Saturday at Al Medina Stadium in Rabat, with either side seeking to bounce back from their disappointing start. The Cranes lost 3-1 to Tunisia while Taifa Stars were beaten 2-1 by Nigeria.
Here is what Coach Paul Put said.
On losing the game against Tunisia
We lost our first game, which is not ideal because if you are to go far in the tournament, you must start well but we now have to focus on our next game which will be important for us. There is pressure for us to do better but we must beat that pressure in order to get a good result in tomorrow’s game.
On the injury update about Elio Capradossi
He has not trained since picking the injury but we have been trying hard behind the scenes to make sure he gets back. The medical team has really tried, had sessions in the swimming pool but tomorrow’s game is quite too early and he will not be available.
On information about Timothy Awany
He got injured in his last game in Israel by the moment we assembled players from clubs but also, he lost a family member, so he could not make it to the tournament. We have had a few problems in our defensive setup and we don’t have that much choices but we must make Ugandans proud and you can only do that by getting a good result.
On the difference in quality between players from East Africa and the rest of the continent.
In West Africa, you are born with contacts from Europe and most of the players get the chance to get information from Europe, which is not the case with East Africa. But AFCON is an opportunity for our players to show their abilities because the whole world is watching and following. You have to stand up and show the quality you have.
On what he needs to change from the previous game
We just need to do better in all aspects. The players need to rise to the occasion. There is a lot of pressure but we have to stand up because we have been performing well in the qualifiers, so the players have to believe in themselves that they can perform at this level.
On the role Denis Onyango plays on the team
He is a leader, a very experienced player who helps a lot in the dressing room. He is actually a captain off the field. With so many players featuring at AFCON for the first time, you need a player like him who will bring calmness and a strong mentality to the squad. We are even thinking of incorporating him into the technical staff in future when he eventually retires.
On playing the derby against Tanzania
Derbies are always trick games, and we know Tanzania is a very good team but we must show hunger and the intention to win it more than them.
We don’t need excuses but a strong mindset can change everything
*oneloveuganda##
We do believe our team can still make us proud 💪💪..we have a strong team..vamos UGANDA CRANES
We need onyango in every game
If possible please bring back Hassan Wasswa in the defence in future obviously