Mamelodi Sundowns custodian Dennis Masinde Onyango has backed Uganda Cranes head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic to turn fortunes around despite a slow start to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Uganda lost the first qualification match, 0-2 to Algeria over a week ago, before drawing one-all at home, at the St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende with Niger.
The results and the performances especially at home, drew a lot of contention from the local football fraternity, with many calling for the sacking of the 52-year-old.
However, the former Cranes captain believes the Serbian has everything it takes to help Uganda turn things around, with the belief of the fans.
“Coach Micho is the only person who has convinced Ugandans that they can win any home game,” the shot-stopper backed his former boss.
“You can never say never in football, and if you underestimate yourself, you will lose. After all, who knew South Sudan could beat us (in the previous AFCON qualifiers)?”
This was before the 37-year-old rallied fans to grant the Cranes team more time if they are to achieve a great deal going forward.
“Ugandans are spoilt. They are used to winning at home. They do not tolerate anything that is not a win at home. I encourage the fans to be patient with the Uganda Cranes. It is a work in progress.”
“In football, you need to believe. You have to show the players that it is possible. The country has to believe in the Uganda Cranes. Football is a mind game,” he noted.
The abysmal start to the AFCON qualification campaign left Uganda at the base of Group F with one point. Tanzania lies third with the same tally while Algeria and Niger sit first and second with six and two points respectively.
Group F action will return in September with Uganda and Tanzania involved in a double header. Niger and Algeria will also lock horns over two legs in succession.
Courtesy Photos
