COSAFA U-20 Championship:
- 6th – 16th December 2017
- In Zambia
From the body language of many Uganda U-20 (The Hippos) players who turned up for training at the outside training ground of Namboole stadium on Wednesday, coaches Mathias Lule, Samuel Kawalya and James Odoch have a healthy hitch to select the final team.
Despite the rainy conditions on the day, three thirds of the summoned players had reported by the agreed kick off time for the session.
Given the busy schedule of the Namboole, the outside training ground was preferred.
Joined by the Canadian based creative forward Azake Luboyera who features for Ottawa Fury Football Club and Qatar based left back, Victor Matovu, there was ‘colour’ added to the two hour training session held on a flooded terrain.
A few players did not show up for reasons best explained to the technical team.
Former U-17 team captain, Andrew Okiring Isiagi is still in the United States of America.
Nyamityobora duo of Alex Komakech and Charles Ssebutinde did not attend since they have a crucial FUFA Big League match against Kitara in Hoima on Thursday.
KCCA’s trio of Muhammad Shaban, Allan Okello and left back Mustapha Kizza missed since they had traveled to Mbarara for the league engagement against Mbarara City.
The team conducted sessions that entailed warm up drills, ball work, small sided games and game situation.
Head coach Lule vows to name a strong team for the COSAFA tournament;
Training has been good. The players’ response was excellent and it is good to have all the players in fine shape.
Uganda is one of the two guest countries at the tournament slated for the 6th to 16th December 2017 in Zambia.
Egypt is the other invited team at the tournament.
Uganda Hippos will lock horns with traditional foes Zambia alongside Swaziland and Malawi in Group A.
South Africa, Egypt, Mozambique and Mauritius are in Group B while Angola, Lesotho, Namibia and Zimbabwe complete Group C.
The team training resumes on Thursday with a double session.
Players who attended training on Wednesday
Goalkeepers: Keni Saidi (Proline), Eric Kibowa (Vipers/ St Mary’s Kitende), Ali Mwerusi (Kibuli S.S / KCCA U-18 Team)
Defenders: Fred Okot (URA), Geofrey Wasswa (Vipers), Bashir Askiu (Vipers / St Mary’s Kitende), Victor Matovu (Aspire Football Academy)
Midfielders: Azake Luboyera (Ottawa Fury, USL), AbdulKarim Kasule (Express), Julius Poloto (KCCA), Frank ‘Zagga’ Tumwesigye (Vipers), Shafiq Kagimu (URA), Pius Obuya (Maroons), Gadaffi Wahabu (Onduparaka), Muhammed Ochaya Sharif (Express), Nicholas Kagaba (URA)
Strikers: Steven Mukwala (URA), Pius ‘Muzeei’ Wangi (Vipers), Nathanniel Atamba (Mbarara City U-18 Team), Hamis Tibita (BUL), Raymond Onyai (Kataka), Umar Kyeyune (JMC Hippos), Henry Tenywa (The School, Iganga)
Groups
- Group A: Zambia, Swaziland, Uganda, Malawi
- Group B: South Africa, Egypt, Mozambique, Mauritius
- Group C: Angola, Lesotho, Namibia, Zimbabwe
