Blog: The Cranes are heading to RIO!!!

You really have to feel for the Uganda Cranes and their recent near misses.

I do not think I can quite remember a football side that has been as unlucky as the Ugandans.

They have a list of near misses that could make the Guinness book of Records.

I remember the qualifying rounds for the 2012 AFCON, where Harambee Stars goalkeeper Arnold Origi single handedly denied them the chance to dine at African football's main feast.

This time round in 2013 qualifying, they have again just missed out, in the most heartbreaking of fashions.

Missed opportunities

Against Zambia in Kampala and with a golden opportunity to bundle out the reigning AFCON champs, they again bombed out in spectacular style.

After scoring early and with a rapturous crowd behind them at the Namboole Stadium, they really should have killed off the Zambians by half-time.

However, they missed the opportunities they created and meant it had to go all the way to penalties to get a winner, where the Zambians duly obliged.

Kampala yesterday and as I am writing this, is dead quiet, with people in shock and disbelief at yet another close one.

Why us, Why us again??

Grown in stature

Despite their failures, what I do admire about the men in yellow is that they do not accept defeat anymore.

For them, beating Zambia was not an if.. it was a must do.. they do not think like we Kenyans who take any result as it is.

They no longer fathom the thought of losing a football match and that is why they are dissapointed that they did not kill off the Zambians, who mark- you, are African champions.

It is not like they have done well against Zambia.. No no no.. They are unhappy that they have lost, which is just how far the Cranes have come in recent years.

For the Harambee Stars the motto is to do well, for the Cranes, it is to win at all costs.

Keep Bobby

Key to their development has been the Scottish coach Bobby Williamson.

His influence, love for the local game and common-folk has endeared him to the Ugandan public. He is one of their own and a defender of the Ugandan vision.

I sure hope they will retain him as he engineers qualification to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Talking of Brazil, my feeling is that they will make it there. They have a good attitude, fantastic coach, supportive public and most importantly, the will to win.

I will not be surprised to see them in Rio.

Pat on the back

This morning in Kampala, the air is sullen, the mood is even worse, the people are beaten.

However, that is today. On Monday, they will be up again, with the resolve to again try and be among the best of the best in world football. That is what separates them from their regional neighbours.

Sorry for the loss Cranes, your time will come.