Vultures raring to devour Uganda

They seldom attack prey but they may kill wounded or sick animals. But the Vultures of Botswana - the national rugby team - have been different birds in recent years. They attack and kill healthy and strong teams.

This is most likely to be the case once again when the Vultures host Uganda in the 2011 World Cup qualifier at UB Stadium tomorrow. The game is mostly likely to attract a good crowd especially after an impressive display by the Vultures recently when they defeated Swaziland in a pre-qualifier. The Vultures have never failed to pull large crowds and have made the UB Stadium their slaughterhouse. It is expected that with the national soccer team, the Zebras playing the 2010 World Cup/AFCON qualifier against giants, Ivory Coast at the neighbouring National Stadium, the crowd at the UB Stadium is mostly likely to increase. This is because the Zebras play first and the soccer supporters are expected to cross over after the game to the UB Stadium to back the Vultures. 

Against Swaziland, the Vultures struggled in the first half but came back strongly in the second half after coach, Gareth Gilbert made some substitutions. The introduction of JJ Harries lifted the Vultures' game and the players started dictating the pace. It is expected that captain, Mark Colley will once again lead by example.

The evergreen full back, Mooketsi Mooketsi has never failed to get a try for the Vultures and his pace and strength will once again be the key tomorrow. Another player to watch is Brendan Garcin. The Vultures will have to make a good start against Uganda and improve in the kicks. Against Swaziland, they missed several kicks. Coach Gilbert said they are working on their kicking before playing Uganda. Vultures' strength is the depth in the squad. The technical team always has a strong team even on the bench.

Speaking to Mmegi Sport yesterday, Gilbert said that they have prepared well for the match against Uganda. 'We went to South Africa last weekend for a training camp and hopefully that has prepared us well for this game,' he said. He added that despite the fact that Uganda is a strong team, he is confident of victory.

Uganda is rated 31st by the International Rugby Board (IRB) while Botswana 74th. Gilbert conceded that it will be a tough game but expressed confidence that they will expose and capitalise on Uganda's weaknesses. By yesterday, Gilbert had all his players available for the match. The game kicks off at 5pm.