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Obua fights for place in Cranes' line-up

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After the rest of the 12-man team had completed a hectic two-hour training session, the Amakhosi star decided to exercise for an extra hour ahead of Uganda’s Afcon qualifier against Niger at the weekend, with particular emphasis on perfecting his free-kick abilities against youthful custodian Abbey Dhaira in goal.

“I have always done that at Chiefs. It's basically to help me perfect my game,” he added.

In the previous Nations Cup qualifying campaign, Obua's six goals took Uganda to the brink of qualification. He grabbed a hat-trick against Niger in the final game.

Obua might have struggled occasionally in that match -for he had joined the team clode to midnight the previous night - but he was in irrepressible mood in the final hour of that fateful game.

That said though, waiting in the wings, is Sweden-based Mike Sserumaga who is itching to make an indelible impact if handed a chance.

Many will argue that Sserumaga proved his quality against Libya, which is why he might be handed that wild card into the team on Saturday.

But in truth, all Sserumaga did was confirm he has an unfulfilled, if great, potential.

In training, Sserumaga is clearly trying to prove that he is also a decent left-footed midfielder, which is understandable because to stand any chance of winning a first team place in his preferred central position, he must oust Obua.

Besides being comfortable on the ball in training, Sserumaga knows when and where to place a pass and boasts a fierce shot.

Was that a worry for Obua?

“Mike is good. But like I said it will be down to team work. I don’t mind him coming on later in the game if I get tired,” said Obua.

Obua has not played competitive football for over three months, but said, “Competition helps me become a better player.”

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