Rugby Cranes hit by injuries ahead of Kenya clashBy ISMAIL KIGONGO for the Daily Monitor | Wednesday, April 18  2012 at  16:25

The Rugby Cranes technical team is painting a very brave face amidst withdrawals and injuries to key players, just days to the Elgon Cup clash with Kenya.

Uganda will face Kenya Saturday at Kyadondo ground in the annual two-legged contest without prop Denis Mugambe.

The Kenyan-born forward suffered an ankle knock though remains part of the 26.

“We think he can be fit for the return leg in Nairobi (next week) so we kept him with us,” head coach Yayiro Kasasa said.

Replacements are being scouted with Martial Tchumkam, Solomon Mawanda and Oscar Ochulu being considered to join Brian Odong and Alex Mubiru on the front row.

Three other players joined the fitness race as Rugby Cranes chase a first Elgon Cup since 2006.

Lock Romano Ogwal, eighth man Andrew Olweny and centre Michael Wokorach are all injury doubts. A final decision on the trio will only be made today.

Ogwal sat out the final two rounds of MTN Heathens’ fruitful league title charge due to injuries to both his knees.

Reigning Most Valuable Player (MVP) Olweny has a similar injury, albeit on knee.

Wokorach, who recently recovered from thigh strain, suffered a bruised rib as Heathens beat Toyota Buffaloes 44-3 to win a fourth successive title on Saturday.

“It’s true we have few knocks here and there but everyone should be ready,” Kasasa said. He wore a brave face.