Dhaira to the rescue of goalkeeping woes?

GOALKEEPING has been the most overlooked department in Cranes qualification campaign, and yet it is one area that might have undermined Uganda’s qualification prospects.

Lack of competition for the number one jersey means Uganda will enter new territory on Sunday. Denis Onyango, who has occupied the team’s goalkeeping position for the last three years, is suspended for Cranes’ 2010 ultimate World Cup qualifier.
Cranes need a ‘clean sheet’ against Benin and plunder the required goals to secure progress to the final stages of the qualifying campaign.
Three talented goalkeepers Abbey Dhaira (URA FC), Posnet Omony (Black Leopards) and Hannington Kalyesubula (No club) are available for selection.
Celebrated goal keepers’ coach Fred Lukwago has to decide whether to opt for the match fit and youthful figure in the shape of Dhaira or depend on the experienced hands of Omony and Kalyesubula.
“I will assess all the three and advise coach Robert Williamson on Thursday,” he said.

Dhaira
In Dhaira, Lukwago possesses a youngster who has made an already strong URA FC defence, at times, impenetrable and played on the continent with Express. “Dhaira is still young. It is too early for him,” Lukwago hinted.

Omony
Omony served Cranes well three years ago, but his decision-making, particularly in leaving his line, was blamed for Cranes’ 3-2 defeat in a friendly against Libya in 2007. He then lost his place with South Africa Premier League side Bloemfontein Celtic and signed for second division side Black Leopards.
“ If I am not in goal on Sunday, I will still support whoever is there,” Omony stated.
“I will need an extra two days to watch Omony,” Lukwago hinted.

Kalyesubula
The former St. George goalkeeper has been Onyango’s deputy and could have graduated automatically. However, there are concerns over his fitness having been deprived of competitive club football for the last four months. “ I have been working on my fitness personally,” he stated.