CECAFA 2017
- 3rd – 17th December
- In Kenya (Machakos, Nakuru and Kakamega)
Uganda Cranes started preparations for the 2017 CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup on Wednesday afternoon at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
Only 16 players turned up for the first session out of the total number (26) summoned.
It was momentous time for Bright Stars Seif Batte who trained with the national team for the first time in life.
“It feels good to wear the national team jersey. I have not been under pressure. The coach talked to me well and all the players were receptive,” a smiling Batte attested to Kawowo Sports after the two hour session.
Onduparaka goalkeeper Nicholas Ssebwato was joined by Kirinya-Jinja S.S’ Tom Ikara and Vipers’ Isma Watenga.
The other players who attended the session included; Nico Wakiro Wadada (Vipers), Aggrey Madoi (Police), Bernard Muwanga (SC Villa Jogoo), Tom Masiko (Vipers), Tadeo Lwanga (Vipers), Allan Kyambadde (SC Villa Jogoo), Albert Mugisa (Police), Juma Balinya (Police), Method Bassey (Mbarara City), Nelson Senkatuka (Bright Stars), Milton Karisa (Vipers), Daniel Isiagi Opolot (Proline) and Seif Batte (Bright Stars).
Absentees
Savio Kabugo is feared injured whilst the KCCA legion of Muzamiru Mutyaba, Benjamin Ochan, Timothy Awanyi, Isacc Muleme, Derrick Nsibambi were rested having traveled from Mbarara on Wednesday.
The only foreign based player summoned on the team, defender Murushid Jjuuko of Tanzanian club, Simba Sports Club has also not yet reported.
Goalkeeping coach Fred Kajoba was also absent as the head coach Moses Basena handled the players present single handedly.
Basena praised the fitness levels of the players and called upon them to keep focused towards defending the CECAFA Challenge Cup as a preparatory tool for CHAN 2018.
This has been more like a recovery session. All the players have been actively involved with their respective clubs.
As a country, defending the CECAFA Challenge Cup is our primary objective at the same time thinking about the upcoming 2018 CHAN tournament in Morocco.
Uganda awaits to know the first opponent following the withdrawal of guest country Zimbabwe over insecurity in Kenya.
The regional tourney kicks off on 3rd December and will run through to 17th December, 2017 in Kenya at three venues – Nakuru, Kakamega and Machakos.
The Uganda Cranes will resume training with a double session on Thursday.
CECAFA 2017 GROUPS:
- Group A: Kenya, Libya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zanzibar
- Group B: Uganda, Zimbabwe (Withdrawn), Burundi, Ethiopia, South Sudan
