Uganda U17 National Team (Uganda Cubs) flew to Dar es Salaam early Wednesday morning ahead of the CAF U17 Championship.
A contingent of 31, comprised of 21 players and 10 officials travelled to the coastal city for the tournament scheduled for April 14-28.
The Cubs left for Tanzania after conducting training camp in Kenya. During the ten-day acclimatisation camp that started on the first day of this month, the team played two practice matches against Kenya U18 (0-0) and Gor Mahia FC U20 (4-4).
“It is common knowledge that when you gather children at the U17 level and move them out of their country to another country it gives them enough energy to work hard due to that excitement and since we came in Kenya, the boys have performed very well and improved day by day,” head coach Fabin Kwesi said of the camp as quoted by the Fufa website.
The team is expected to undergo the mandatory MRI test on Thursday, April 11.
Uganda is in Group A along with the hosts, Nigeria and Angola and its opening fixture will be against Angola on Sunday.
The top two teams from each group will automatically qualify for the U17 FIFA World Cup that will be hosted by Brazil.
The Squad
Goalkeepers: Delton Oyo (Kirinya Jinja SS FC), Jack Komakech (Ndejje University FC), Patrick Mubiru (Bright Stars FC)
Outfield Players: Kevin Ssekimbegga (Express FC), Ibrahim Juma (KCCA FC), Samson Kasozi (Bright Stars FC), Gavin Kizito Mugweri (Vipers SC), Innocent Opira (Ndejje University), Davis Ssekajja (Bright Stars FC), Thomas Kakaire (Bright Stars FC), Iddi Abdul Wahid (Cagliari FC – Italy), Polycarp Mwaka (Ndejje University FC), Edrine Opaala Mukisa (Kirinya Jinja SS FC), John Kokas Alou (URA FC), James Jarieko (Paidha Black Angels FC), Ivan Asaba (Vipers SC), Najib Yiga (Vipers SC), Isma Mugulusi (Kirinya Jinja SS FC), Rogers Mugisha (Mbarara City FC), Justin Opiro (KCCA SA), Andrew Kawooya (Vipers SC)
Officials
- Rasoul Ariga – Leader of Delegation
- Paa Samuel Kwesi Fabin – Head Coach
- Jackson Magera – Assistant coach
- Hamuza Lutalo – Assistant coach
- Mubarak Kiberu – Goalkeeping coach
- Derrick Osei-Owusu – Fitness coach
- Emmanuel Nakabago – Team Doctor
- Bashir Mutyaba – Team Coordinator
- Bosco Omaria – Media Officer
- Frank Bumpenje – Kit Manager
