Russia 2018| Bukenya Gets Injured in the Soweto Derby ahead of Cranes Game against Togo:

Ivan Bukenya of Kaizer Chiefs challenges Kermits Ersmus of Orlando Pirates during the Telkom Knockout Semi Final match between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates on 07 November 2015 at FNB Stadium ( Photo by kickoff.com)

South African Telkom Knockout

Full Time Kaizer Chiefs 0-0 (6-5 pen) Orlando Pirates

Date: 7 November 2015

Venue: FNB Stadium

Ugandan international defender Ivan Bukenya may again miss on the chance of playing for his country due to a hamstring injury.

After a long absence on the Uganda Cranes team, the former Proline academy had his name listed among the 27 players summoned by head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic to prepare for the double header against Togo in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

However, Bukenya was substituted after the first 45 minutes of the game and he was replaced by Lorenzo Gordinho.

Something Kaizer Chiefs fans had attributed to a yellow card that he had received.

But his coach Komphela said that the substitution had nothing to do with Bukenya being in the referee’s book and therefore in danger of a sending off.
“He was carrying a hamstring injury,” Komphela says.
“It is not that a player gets a yellow card and we become cowards. Our main reason is that he had a hamstring,” he adds.

In the first half, Bukenya almost put his side in the lead on two occasions.

Amakhosi had the best chance of the half in the ninth minute when a Siphiwe Tshabalala‘s corner kick picked out Ivan Bukenya, but his volley went over the bar.

Bukenya had another good chance towards the 38th minute when Shabba sent a free kick in his direction, but he somehow failed to make contact.

Eventually, Kaizer Chiefs claimed a spot in the Telkom Knockout final when the game went to penalties after a quiet extra-time. Ntshumayelo and Sangweni missed their spot-kicks for Bucs, giving Chiefs victory on 6-5 penalties.

There were no places for the other two Ugandans Sula Matovu and Yasser Mugerwa on Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates teams respectively.

It is now un clear whether Bukenya will recover in time to compete for a place on the Cranes team that is expected to depart for Lome on Wednesday aboard a chartered plane courtesy of the Ugandan government.

Uganda plays away to Togo on the 12^th of November 2015 before hosting the Hawks on 15^th of the same month. The winner over two legs will make the group stages of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in the Africa zone.

Vicent Kakooza