Mbalangu backs UPDF’s young guns

UPDF coach Hussein Mbalangu believes his young side is improving despite their failure to find the net in Sunday’s goalless draw with Police in the Armed Forces derby at Kira Road Police Arena.

“We are happy that at least we have gone back with the point we came with despite the fact that we are still not utilising our chances in front of goal, but we have improved in the way we play from the back,” Mbalangu said.

The draw left UPDF still without a win after three matches, with two points from a possible nine, but Mbalangu sees enough promise in a side largely built around players stepping into top-flight football for the first time.

UPDF had chances to win it, with Shafik Kakande’s half-volley cleared off the line by Dennis Jakony in the first half, while Bedia Ikamba missed a free header from Stephen Namaisi’s delivery after the break.

Police also came close through Ivan Mayanja, Samuel Ssekamatte Kayongo and Farouk Matovu, but neither side could break the deadlock.

Mbalangu believes the missed chances will improve with experience.

“According to the analysis we made on Police FC, it has kept us in the game because if you look at my team, we have a lot of young players that have just come to play top-tier football,” he said.

“But you can see we have created a lot of chances but not executed them, so you can see an improvement from the boys each match that goes by and gives me hope that the boys understand what we do during training.”

The coach has handed four players their debuts as he builds a team featuring youngsters from the Masaza Cup and Regional League.

“We are just trying to build the team. Most of these boys come from the Masaza Cup, others come from the Regional League, but the way they are performing is very encouraging. They are improving each game,” he said.

Mbalangu was particularly impressed by Joel Ineah before injury forced the youngster off.

“I think we can build on that. In four, five games, when handled properly, these boys will be something,” he said.

While UPDF are still searching for their first victory, Mbalangu believes their growing support can add another edge.

He thanked fans who travelled from Bombo, Buwambo, Kikyusa, Luweero and surrounding areas, urging more supporters to attend league matches.

“I would love to urge all Ugandans to come and watch football that adds vibe. You can see we looked like the home team since we had more fans, and it’s just the beginning since the League has just started,” he said.

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