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Uganda Cranes goalkeeper Ismael Watenga has been in the pressure cooker before with the national side and knows exactly what it takes.
Uganda Cranes goalkeeper Ismael Watenga has been in the pressure cooker before with the national side and knows exactly what it takes.
Back in May 2014, in an AFCON qualifier, a then 19-year-old Watenga made his senior Cranes debut starting ahead of Hamza Muwonge as they lost 2-1 away against Madagascar.
Despite the defeat, his display was outstanding, including saving a penalty on the day.
As the Cranes prepare to face Tanzania in a crucial double header of the 2023 AFCON Qualifiers, the Marumo Gallants shot-stopper believes the summoned squad can deliver the goods but called for character and self-belief.
"The Tanzania game is a tough game without a doubt, but all the summoned players are capable of helping us win both games," he told Pulse Sports.
"They just need character and self-belief; they've got to give everything from the start," Watenga added.
The 27-year-old rues a hamstring injury that has kept him out for close to a month and a half, forcing him to miss mainly the CAF Confederations Cup and league action.
"It's tough to be on the sidelines; missing continental action was even harder, but the most important thing is that as a player, I am growing on and off the pitch," Watenga added.
"The PSL is demanding. It would be best if you had time to adjust because you're never sure of the result, so it pushes you to grow," he noted.
Watenga also noted: "I am trying to learn a lot, like playing build-ups, playing as a sweeper, which gives me confidence; the more I play, the better I get.
Watenga has managed five appearances picking up two clean sheets across all competitions, with his side recently reaching the CAF Confederations Cup quarter-finals in their debut campaign.
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