Uganda: I Will Never Play for Cranes - Obua


Uganda CranesDenis Obua helped Cranes reach the Africa Cup of Nations finals in 1978 but famously did not take part and 33 years later, his son David has taken Uganda to the brink of qualification but will miss on the game after a suspension yesterday.
In an exclusive interview with Saturday Monitor last evening, Obua said he is throwing in the towel for the national team.
"I don't want to play for this team again," said Uganda's leading scorer of this campaign with two goals.
"Unless Mulindwa (Fufa president) and Bobby (Cranes coach) are out of the set-up. They have too much unchecked power on the team and are a big threat. That is my stance," he said.
Obua's story is a well-known script after his off-field theatrics during the game against Guinea Bissau. But with the hatchet long buried and Uganda on the verge of ending a miserly jinx, the utility player finds himself in no man's land.
"These guys have always wanted me out because I am the most vocal player. But God can bear me witness. I have given all to this team. And was even ready to play when still below required fitness levels and may be pay consequences with a six-to-seven week layoff back in Scotland," remarked Hearts FC's utility player.
History between the Obua and Mulindwa has been bordering on tolerating each other rather than mutuality. But what incensed Obua on the eve of the 'biggest match of his life' was Mulindwa's unexpected visit to the camp and 'seemingly inappropriate' request that the Cranes stars do not ask the President Museveni any question.

Relevant Links

"Why would he patronise us like that and deny us a chance to talk to the big man. Things are not right in our team and this was the best opportunity for him (President Museveni) to intervene. I had some questions and the other guys too. When I knew I wouldn't be talking to him, I decided to leave the team bus and head back to the hotel to rub my muscle. And that is not bad enough to get rid of me. I wasn't there too when Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi visited camp. How come nothing happened?" questioned the lead scorer of the previous 2010 campaign with five goals.
Asked on what questions he would have put forward to President, the ball-weaving left-footer said: "Why is the money coming now and yet it wasn't the case before? What is the future of the team? What are our official bonus policies because Shs2m or Shs3m will not do anything for Walusimbi (Godfrey)? Is there any plan for the players when their careers are over because many legends have lived sorry lives after their playing days?" he ranted. Adding, " I had so many questions and I am sure the guys would have chipped in because we have talked to Mulindwa to clear the air before in vain. I was gonna say it as it is."