Kampala, (UG):- Uganda Cranes Head Coach Paul Joseph Put has unveiled a 36-man provisional squad for the upcoming 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN), which will be held in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda from February 1st to 28th 2025.
Notably, three teenage players, James Bogere, Brian Ijara, and Isima Magala, who recently guided the Uganda U17 National Team to AFCON qualification, have been included in the squad.
Coach Put expressed his confidence in the young players. “I believe these players are capable, and I wanted to give them an opportunity to train and compete at such a level,” he started.
“We have seen players at that age featuring for their senior team. Therefore, this is their chance to come and show their abilities,” he added
The squad comprises four goalkeepers, twelve defenders, ten midfielders, and ten forwards with the team set to commence training on Friday, January 10th, with non-residential sessions until Sunday.
From Monday onwards, they will enter a residential camp at Cranes Paradise Hotel, Kisasi.
Coach Put emphasized that the initial three days will focus on assessing the players, after which the squad will be trimmed down to 26 players. “We shall use Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to access the players and then have 26 players thereafter,” he said.
“…the players that will not remain in camp will continue following our programme to make sure they are ever on alert,” he added.
Two international friendlies are scheduled for January 17th and the following week as part of the team’s preparations.
Full Squad for Uganda Cranes
Goalkeepers; Hannington Ssebwalunyo (NEC FC), Mutwalibi Mugolofa (KCCA FC),Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC), Crispas Kusiima (Kitara FC)
Defenders; Gavin Kizito Mugweri (KCCA FC), Gideon Odongo (NEC FC), Moses Aliro (URA FC), Derrick Ndahiro (Vipers SC), Enock Walusimbi (URA FC), Arnold Odong (SC Villa), Rogers Torach (Vipers SC), Hillary Mukundane (Vipers SC), Walter Ochora (BUL FC), James Begisa Penza (URA FC), Nicholas Mwere (BUL FC), Paul Patrick Mbowa (Vipers SC)
Midfielders; Joel Sserunjogi (KCCA FC), Enock Ssebagala (NEC FC), Ibrahim Thembo (NEC FC), Emmanuel Wasswa (Express FC), Ronald Ssekiganda (SC Villa), Allan Okello (Vipers SC), Saidi Mayanja (KCCA FC), Brian Ijara (KCCA FC), Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa), Isima Magala Mulala (Masaka Sunshine FC)
Forwards; Hakim Kiwanuka (SC Villa, Milton Karisa (Vipers SC), Denis Omedi (Kitara FC)Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC), Shafik Nana Kwikiriza (KCCA FC), Paul Mucureezi (NEC FC), Isaac Ogwang (Police FC), James Bogere (Masaka Sunshine FC), Sadat Happy Anaku (KCCA FC), Charles Lwanga (SC Villa)
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