Butler meets Micho, the man who nearly became the Zebras coach
Mqondisi Dube | Friday June 3, 2016 14:49
Now Micho leads a formidable squad capable of shattering a nation’s dream, but will find the Zebras equally unyielding observes, Staff Writer MQONDISI DUBE
Peter Butler meets a man who could have easily taken his job three years back. But owing to BFA failing to meet his demands, Butler is the man in charge of a blossoming young project. Butler believes in youth and has moulded a sharp squad with the capacity to upset even the best, as Mali and Burkina Faso can testify.
Probably it was easier for Butler to motivate his charges for big matches against Mali and Burkina Faso. Uganda do not strike immediate fear, but are a dangerous, low lying opponent carrying sufficient gravitas to pull a surprise win.
Micho drew first blood away in Kampala when the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers kicked-off last year, winning 2-0.
The man in their goals, Dennis Onyango has just had a sparkling season with South African giants, Mamelodi Sundowns.
He was named the ABSA Premiership goalkeeper of the season at this week’s awards.
There is the burly skipper, Geoffrey Massa who hurt the Zebras in the first round encounter, and Yassa Mugwera who plays for Orlando Pirates. Werder Bremen’s Melvyn Lorenzen flew back after playing in a friendly match against Zimbabwe on Tuesday as he is still undecided on whether to represent Uganda at international level or Germany.
Micho still has a squad capable on inflicting pain on a side he could be coaching. And tomorrow, he will watch the flourishing talents of the many Zebras youngsters, who have matured magnificently under the watchful eye of Butler.
The Serbian would have many questions racing through his mind; was he going to be a hit or miss with the Zebras?
If Micho emerges triumphant tomorrow, the BFA would feel they missed out on a coach regarded as a master tactician. He has had stints with Young Africans in Tanzania as well as South African giants, Orlando Pirates.
But a Butler and Zebras win, will mean BFA does not miss much. Already there is a feeling the BFA went for the right man, who has spread his selection and brought back self-belief to a national team, hobbling on confidence just months back. But now the Zebras are unbeaten since opening the Francistown Sports Complex with a 1-0 win over Burkina Faso in September. They have gone on to humble Mali, Eritrea and the Comoros and would look to add Micho and his Uganda to the list of casualties.
But while Uganda are beatable, as Zimbabwe proved with a 2-0 stroll on Tuesday, the East Africans are expected to put up a fight.
They are joint top with seven points and just one ahead of the Zebras, which gives tomorrow’s clash significant meaning.
The Zebras preparations’ have often been chaotic, but that is nothing new, and they are expected to put off the field issues aside and give a stirring performance in front of what is, as usual, a buzzing crowd.
A win, will take the Zebras just one victory away from returning to Gabon, but there is still a tough visit to Burkina Faso pending in September.