Kampala Junior Team eager for title defence in 2018 Gothia China Cup

2018 Gothia China Cup:

11^th – 18^th August
In Qingdao City, China

[/media-credit] Some of the KJT players who won the 2018 International Champions cup U 19 in Spain. On the extreme left is director Mansoor Kabugo Credit: © Kawowo Sports | DAVID ISABIRYE

Kampala Junior Team (KJT) will once again represent Uganda at the 2018 Gothia China Cup in the U-12 and U-17 age categories.

According to the director KJT Mansoor Kabugo, KJT who are Elite U-12 defending champions will this time round be supplemented by the Elite U-17 team.

We have been preparing well and the team which won the Elite U-12 cup last year largely remains the same apart from two players who graduated to the U-14 category and will not travel.

[/media-credit] It was all excitement at Entebbe International Airport as KJT returned home with the 2017 Gothia U-17 trophy Credit: © Kawowo Sports | DAVID ISABIRYE

Goalkeeper James Epaja and last season’s most valuable player (MVP) Brian “Messi” Atwesigye will not travel with the U-12 team because of advancement of age.

Besides winning the overall title for the boys U-17, KJT also had the tournament top scorer in Reagan Ssekisambu with 26 goals as well as the most valuable player, Katwesigye.

This year, KJT will also have an U-17 side which will be led by the MVP of the recently concluded Airtel Rising Stars Buganda regional qualifiers, Edrisa Kabonge.

The Ugandan delegation is set to depart the country on 9^th August 2018, ahead of the official opening for this annual tournament which will be on 11^th August 2018 in Qingdao city.

The U-12 team will be captained by Abdul Shakul Nsereko whilst Rogers Mugisha will skipper the U-17 side.

Tournament rules on age:

Only boys born 1st January 2006 and later shall be allowed to play with no dispensation for over aged players for U-12 category.

In the U-17 category, boys born on 1st January 2001 and later will be allowed.

However, it is also allowed to use a maximum of two (2) players born 1st January 2000 and later for the U-17.

[/media-credit] The KJT U-12 players and director Mansoor Kabugo (extreme left) with the Gothia trophy at Entebbe International Airport Credit: © Kawowo Sports | DAVID ISABIRYE

KJT Delegation:

U-12: Abdul-Shakul Nsereko (Captain), Hafidhu Ssonko Ssembatya, Arthur Mark Lutaaya, Maathi Kakooto, Godfrey Sekibengo, Reagan Ssekisambu, Ashiraf Katamba (Goalkeeper), Kevin Musenze, Xavi Hernandez Kikomeko, Akisam Ssenyonga, Uthuman Lule

Team Leaders: Wallen Ankwasa, Douglas Ddungu, Thomas Kaggwa, Reagan Mugerwa, Laurian Lubulwa

U-17:

Goalkeeper: Farouk Nsubuga

Defenders: Najibu Muwonge,Lamech Mwebaza, Yunus Kezimbira, Michael Agaba, Akram Mugume, Salim Kyobe, Derrick Mubiru, Umar Ssebuliba (Left back), George Nsereko (Right back)

Midfielders: Ismail Makanga, William Sseguya, Edrisa Kabonge, Ashiraf Zizinga, Shamirah Nalugya

Forwards: Rogers Mugisha (Captain), Yuda Ssewalunyo, Shafut Lutalo

Team Leaders: Axam Senkayi, Allan Mukalazi, Umaru Khaukha, Najira Nabatanzi, Mansoor Kabugo