Uganda Cranes up-coming matches:
Regional Tour Match: Saturday, 5th November 2016
- Kampala Region Vs Uganda Cranes – Mutesa II Stadium, Wankululukuku (4:00 p.m)
International Friendly: Tuesday, 8th November 2016
- Uganda Cranes Vs Zambia Chipolopolo – Mandela National stadium, Namboole (4:30 p.m)
2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifier: Saturday, 12th November 2016
- Uganda Cranes Vs Congo Brazzaville – Mandela National Stadium, Namboole (4:30 p.m)
Tusker Football club left back cum attacker Shafiq ‘Bachu’ Batambuze is extremely delighted of his first ever call up to the Uganda Cranes team.
In an exclusive interview with the Nairobi based diminutive player moments after he had learnt of the summon, Batambuze disclosed his delight with the readiness to work for the best
First of all, i am very happy for the call up to the national team.
This is what i have been working for as a footballer.
It gives me the courage to show my best and get selected.
He is full of praise for the national team technical wing headed by coach Micho for closely monitoring players outside the boarders of Uganda.
When i play in Kenya, i give my best in every match i feature in just like a cup final.
But because, the technical team is on the look out, i am happy that they monitor exceptional performers.
Batambuze is one of the 19 professionals on the 41 man team ready to play against Zambia in the international build up match next Tuesday and Congo Brazzaville for the FIFA 2018 World Cup group E qualifier.
At left back, he joins the race for the slot in a department that also has KCCA’s Joseph Benson Ochaya and Gor Mahia’s Godfrey ‘Jajja Walu’ Walusimbi.
Team training got underway Tuesday with most professionals expected on Sunday.
Professionals:
Goalkeepers: Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Robert Odongkara (St George, Ethiopia), Salim Jamal Magola (El Merriekh, Sudan)
Defenders: Denis Iguma (Al Ahed, Lebanon), Godfrey Walusimbi (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Isaac Isinde (St George, Ethiopia), Murushid Juuko (Simba, Tanzania), Ronald Mukiibi (Ostersunds, Swedene), Mike Azira (Colorado Rapids, USA)
Midfielders: Shafic Batambuze (Tusker, Kenya),Godffrey Baba Kizito ( Iraq), Tonny Mawejje (Knattspyrnufélagið Þróttur, Iceland), Yassar Mugerwa (St George, Ethiopia), Moses Oloya (Kuban Kransnodar, Russia) ,Khalid Aucho (Baroka, South Africa)
Strikers: Faruku Miya (Standard Liege, Belgium), Yunus Sentamu (Ilves, Finnland), William Kizito Luwagga (Rio Ave, Portugal) and Geoffrey Massa (Baroka, South Africa)
Local Based players:
Goalkeepers: Benjamin Ochan (KCCA), Ismail Watenga (Vipers)
Defenders: Nicholas Wadada (Vipers), Denis Okot Oola (KCCA) , Joseph Nsubuga (SC Villa), Hassan Wasswa Mawanda (Vipers), Joseph Ochaya (KCCA), Richard Kasagga (URA), Timothy Denis Awany (KCCA), Halid Lwaliwa (Vipers)
Midfielders:Muzamil Mutyaba (KCCA), Kizito Keziron (Vipers), Ibrahim Sadam Juma (Express), Shafic Kajimu (URA), Godfrey Lwesibawa (SC Villa), Allan Kayiwa (Vipers), Abdul Malik Vitalis Tabu (SC Villa)
Strikers: Muhammad Shaban (Onduparaka), Geoffrey Sserunkuma (KCCA), Edrisa Lubega (Proline), Erisa Sekisambu (Vipers), Derrick Nsibambi (KCCA)
