Uganda is among the top 27 African teams which were given a bye in the preliminary rounds, meaning their campaign starts in the second round in November, 2017.

“Regarding the draw, it could be worst, it could be better. Anyhow there is too much at stake as we have made our supporters used to be in group stages, therefore our ultimate target is to go to the group stages.” Micho said.

The match against Togo in Lome will for sure evoke emotions of revenge for Ugandans having in mind that the West Africans stood on their path to the AFCON 2015 showpiece, beating them home and away. In the qualifier, Uganda lost 1-0 at home before going down 2-0 away in Lome.

Revenge, however, is the least of Micho’s worry at this point.

“People will also speak of revenge against Togo but nobody has ever revenged by words we need actions to put in practice what our intentions and dreams are.”

The coach has called for proper utilization of FIFA dates to help them prepare adequately for a busy calendar for both Cranes and Kobs. The Ugandans are still active in AFCON 2017,CHAN 2016 and CAF U23 qualifiers. He hopes to play a team with a similar French influence as Togo before the November date to help them gauge their tactics against such oppositions.

“We need to use time until November to develop our game by playing away match against Comoros, and to use October FIFA days appropriately by playing friendly match against a team with similar French influence like Togo and be ready for November back to back qualifiers.” He added.

This he says will also help his preparations for another crucial tie against Burkina Faso in the AFCON qualifier next year March.

Micho has his work cut out, but he believes with enough support and good preparations he is up to the task.

“It is an complex work on many fronts (AFCON 2017, CHAN 2016 and World Cup qualifiers ) but with support of all stakeholders we can go all the way in all competitions lifting our football where our supporters dream to be amongst the best in Africa.” He concluded.

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Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com