Uganda Cranes upcoming matches:
July 8th 2017 (Regional Tour):
- Western Region vs. Uganda Cranes – Kabale Municipal Stadium, 3:30 p.m
July 14th 2017 (CHAN 2018 Qualifier, 1st leg)
- South Sudan Vs Uganda – Juba Stadium, Juba City
July 22nd 2017 (CHAN 2018 Qualifier, 2nd leg)
- Uganda Vs South Sudan – Phillip Omondi Stadium, Lugogo – Kampala
Twenty two (22) of the expected 25 Uganda Cranes players turned up for the training on Saturday as the national team started non-residential drills at the outside facility of Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
Midfielder Khalid Aucho, forward Julius Malingumu, goalie Isma Watenga and defender Savio Kabugo missed the two hour session for varying reasons.
Whereas Malingumu and Watenga watched the session from the sidelines with malaria and toe injury concerns respectively, Red Star Belgrade’s Aucho and Kabugo were a no show.
Majority of the players looked heavy and suspect on fitness but responded positively to the different drills undertaken.
Disgruntled KCCA left back, Brian Majwega, who recently handed in a transfer request at the club trained with the team.
From compacted training to utilize the ball under minimal spaces, emphasis was laid on creating goal scoring opportunities from open play, finishing as well, defending.
Head coach, Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredejovic was however left impressed by the response of the players throughout the session.
This is just day one of the training. I believe the players will garner momentum as we progress further in the training sessions.
We are a journey that will drive us to the World Cup qualifiers in August. I want to use these CHAN 2018 qualifiers as a bridge to the world cup qualification matches
On the foreign-based players, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda (Lebanon), Dennis Iguma (Al Ahed, Lebanon) and Simba’s defender Murushid Jjuuko, who trained with the team, Micho hinted on their significance.
These senior players are purposeful to give confidence to the young players.
They are in off season and such training helps them as well before returning to their respective clubs
KCCA players who are currently active in the CAF Confederation Cup are exempted from the training. KCCA plays Morocco’s FUS Rabat on Sunday evening.
The team is preparing for the Western Region trip ahead of the Regional Tour match on 8th July 2017 at the Kabale Municipal Stadium in preparation for CHAN 2018 qualifiers against South Sudan slated for mid July.
The Bright Stars of South Sudan will host the first leg tie on Friday 14th July 2017 at Juba Stadium.
FUFA confirmed the return leg to be played at the Phillip Omondi Stadium, Lugogo in Kampala on 22nd July 2017.
The winner between South Sudan and Uganda after the two legs will lock horns with either Rwanda or Tanzania for a slot at the biennial championship that shall be held in Kenya.
The training continues on Sunday at Mandela National Stadium.
Trained Saturday morning:
Goalkeepers: Saidi Keni (Proline), Tom Ikara (Kirinya/Jinja S.S)
Defenders: Nico Wakiro Wadada (Vipers), Deus Bukenya (Vipers), John Adiriko(SC Villa), Martin Kizza (SC Villa), Bernard Muwanga (SC Villa), Rashid Toha (Onduparaka), Murushid Jjuuko (Simba, Tanzania), Dennis Iguma (Al Ahed, Lebanon)
Midfielders: Nicholas Kasozi (Synergy), Shafiq Kagimu (URA), Simon Sserunkuma (SC Villa), Vitalis Tabu (SC Villa), Hassan Wasswa Mawanda (Nijehem, Lebanon)
Forwards: Milton Karisa (Vipers), Erisa Ssekisambu (Vipers), Nelson Senkatuka (Proline), Method Bassey (Mbarara City), Shaban Mohamed (Onduparaka), Solomon Okwalinga (Synergy)