Ismail Watenga: Cranes goalkeeper reveals secret to excellent form

Watenga has been in excellent form with the Golden Arrows this season|OURTESY

FOOTBALL Ismail Watenga: Cranes goalkeeper reveals secret to excellent form

Allan Damba • 17:58 - 12.10.2023

The former Vipers SC custodian has been a revelation this season, starting eight games for Golden Arrows in the Premier Soccer League and keeping three clean sheets.

Uganda Cranes goalkeeper Ismail Watenga has attributed his superb form with South African club Golden Arrows to being mentally astute and ready when the season got underway.

The former Vipers SC custodian has been a revelation this season, starting eight games for Golden Arrows in the Premier Soccer League and keeping three clean sheets.

Ismail Watenga in action for Chippa United last season | Photo Credit: Courtesy

"It's because I've been mentally ready to fight but also because I have a team that helps me realize my goals," Watenga told FUFA media.

"Also, the time I have spent in South Africa has helped me know how things work, the games managing match and things like that."

His brilliant performances have had him concede just seven, but most importantly, have the Arrows second on the log behind Dennis Onyango's Mamelodi Sundowns.

Watenga and his team have accumulated 17 points in eight matches, seven behind Masandawana.

"We try to give everything in every match we play, and put in the effort and leave the rest to God."

Meanwhile, Watenga received a re-call to the Uganda Cranes team after some time away ahead of the forthcoming International friendlies against Mali and Zambia.

And he is not only relishing the opportunity but also eager to learn from the lessons presented in the matches.

"Mali and Zambia are strong teams on the continent, so these games will help us as players to get game time but also to gauge ourselves with some of the best."

"These games will be helpful to us and especially the younger and new players on the team to know the demands of the national team."

"So, they're good matches to prepare for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers," he summed.

Uganda takes on Mali in Bamako on Friday before tussling it out with Zambia in Dubai four days later, on October 17.