When Robert Sseguya talked about trusting new players and not necessarily looking at experience in his team selection ahead of the first leg of the Elgon Cup slated for this Saturday, he wasn’t joking.
Five players will have a chance of donning the Rugby Cranes jersey for the first time when the Rugby Cranes clash with the Kenya Simbas at Legends Rugby Club this weekend.
James Ijongat and Ivan Magomu’s injuries are a blessing in disguise for Toyota Buffaloes’ flyhalf Robert Masendi who will deputize Heathens’ Chris Lubanga.
Having had a splendid season with his club, Masendi will don the national jersey for the first time in the 15’s team.
Philip Wokorach may be popular among rugby lovers but he is yet to feature for the Rugby Cranes 15’s side and will have the chance to do that on Saturday as he is expected to wear the number 15 and start ahead of Betway Kobs’ full back Joseph Aredo.
Sadolin Mongers’ prop Elijah Ssegawa, Buffaloes’ Saul Kivumbi and Gulu Elephant’s Byron Oketa are the others waiting to step onto the pitch in national colours.
There is no place on the team for Ezeey Money Rhino’s winger Daudi Ssemwami, Kobs’ Emanuel Ecodu and Pirates’ scrumhalf Conrad Wanyama.
The game against Kenya this weekend has been recognized by World Rugby and will be a test match which will have significance in Uganda’s rankings.
Full Team:
Asuman Mugerwa, Cyrus Wathum, Brian Odong, Charles Uhuru, Byron Oketa, Pius Ogena, Ronald Musajja, Arthur Mpande, Elijah Ssegawa, Oscar Kalyango, Michael Wockorach, Philip Wockorach, Eric Kasiita, Gerald Ssewankambo, Ramathan Govule, John Wandicho, Chris Lubanga, James Odong, Saul Kivumbi, Davis Kyewalabye, Denis Mulo, Joseph Aredo, Robert Masendi, Kevin Makmot.