Ulinzi Stars pick positives after jittery first win

Coach Robert Matano remains confidence that the soldiers will do well in on-going Military Games after edging out Simba of Uganda in opening match.

Ulinzi Stars coach Robert Matano has exuded confidence that they will claim East African Military Games title after winning opening match against Simba of Uganda on Thursday.
Matano has revealed to club’s official website that he was pleased with the outcome of the match and that the team will be looking for an improved performance in their next assignment against Burundi on Saturday.
“It was a very tough match, physical but we managed to come out winners. It is always expected that an opening match is difficult because the players are yet to pick up in rhythm.
“We struggled on the artificial turf because we were not quite accustomed to it and trained on it only once prior to the match. However, I am optimistic we will be better in the second match against Burundi on Saturday.
“We have to improve in our possession of the ball and create more chances. I am certain if we work hard we will take this trophy back home.”
Ulinzi beat Simba by a solitary goal courtesy of defender Brian Birgen. Meanwhile, Birgen says the presence of his mother during Ulinzi’s opening match against Uganda motivated him to play well. Birgen was one of the stand out performers of the day and his lone goal capped off a wonderful evening for him and was aptly rewarded with his mother embracing him after the game.
The 19 year-old was making his debut in Military games and scored his first senior goal after being promoted from the junior side, Ulinzi Warriors. Since playing his first senior game against AFC Leopards’ in Kenyan league, Birgen has cemented a place in starting eleven and has performed well.
“It was a great win for us, opening our campaign positively. It was a very tough game but at the end, we managed to pick the three points.
“It was a great moment for me scoring that goal and my mother being on the stands watching, I was motivated and had to be at my best. The best thing about that goal is that I scored on my weaker left foot. It was a split second decision because I saw the keeper was off his line and I had to take a shot.”
“We have to keep up with this performance and hopefully we will win the trophy.”