Prop Brian Odongo has dismissed claims that he deliberately refused to travel to South Africa for conditioning and training with the Free State Cheetah.
While speaking to www.monitor.co.ug, the Kobs and Rugby Cranes Captain said:
I was excited about the trip. I even got cleared at work with a 21 days leave. But then I received an e-mail which needed me to be present at the World Bank offices for a very crucial meeting scheduled for tomorrow (Wednesday), I sent an email to URU chief executive officer Ramsey Olinga telling him about the development and he replied. (Of course) I was saddened that I could not go.
Odongo and Toyota Buffaloes’ Alfred Bijik were the two players chosen to fly to Bloemfontein, South Africa for conditioning and training with the Free States Cheetahs for three weeks as part of the planned Uganda Rugby Union (URU) and Free State partnership. But only Bijik made the trip.
Odongo also missed his team’s 19-18 defeat to bitter rivals Hima Cement Heathen on Saturday, and the accusation around the fraternity that he was joining the latter left him disturbed.
I read somewhere that I was joining Heathens thus I could not play against them, that’s not true, I had a two-day (Friday and Saturday) full scale solar installment in Namutumba district under the Ministry of Education that absolutely ruled me out.
He was also quick to reveal his devotion to the sport and how he feels about his future as Rugby Cranes captain.
If anyone doubted my commitment to rugby, I’d just laugh them off. I hope to keep my position as Cranes captain.
