Najib Fesali vows to fight for Cranes starting place

Kenneth MUKISA

Cranes coach Micho Sredejovic is under a semi crisis of central defenders following the unavailability of Express FC defender Murushid Juuko who saw red in the previous match against Mali at Kitende.

Micho remains with limited options of Enoc Walusimbi, Geoffrey Wasswa, Livingstone Mulondo and Denis Awany.

Fesali asserts that he is ready to take his chance was picked to start by Micho.

“We have to utilize this transition so that we seal positions at the national team. Making it to the squad means I am prepared to compete for a slot even if it calls starting a game, I feel ready.’

Fesali told the official federation website.

Micho will have to choose from Denis Awanyi, Enoch Walusimbi, Livingston Mulondo, Geoffrey Wasswa and the fresh legs of Fesali.

Not known to many, the fearless and calm defender was a colossal figure for Jinja based side Gadaffi FC when they were fighting for promotion to the topflight league. He was only there on loan from URA FC.

As it always tough for every debutant in national team set ups, the new challenge wasn’t easy for Fesali but he managed to readjust and match on.

‘It was challenging when I reported for training for the first time, though I met some players I had played with before but I had never met many other players thus I had to adopt to the new environment and learn how to live with the new people including the technical team and officials.’

He added revealed.

The young defender caught Micho’s eye following his mature and assured displays for URA FC when they eliminated Ethiopian side Coffee in the CAF confederation cup first preliminary round.

“Being summoned to the national team is a dream come true though it calls for working harder to be consistent and attest that you are part of the team on merit and also not to disappoint the coach who trusted you.’

‘I grew some goose bumps for some seconds like any human who learns on anything strange. But after a while my mind told me that it was my time.”.

He revealed.

Uganda will face Rwanda in the group E double header between 7th and 10th October.

The group is currently led by Mali with 4 points, followed by Kenya and Uganda whi have garnered 2 points each. Rwanda sit at the bottom with a single point.