Kampala, Uganda: FUFA President Eng. Hon. Moses Hassim Magogo has assured the nation that Uganda Cranes are steadily building momentum ahead of the TotalEnergies CHAN 2024 tournament, following his inspection visit to the team’s training session on Wednesday morning at Prisons Grounds, Luzira.
Magogo, who engaged players and the technical staff, commended the team’s discipline, intensity, and preparedness just 22 days to kickoff. He reaffirmed FUFA’s commitment to ensuring Uganda fields a formidable team when the tournament begins.
“As the host country for the upcoming CHAN competition, it is my responsibility to ensure our team is adequately prepared,” Magogo said.
He emphasized that the technical approach, energy levels, and attention to detail during the session were “impressive” and a sign that preparations are firmly on course.
“To gauge our progress, I have made it a point to visit the training sessions. I am excited to see the coaches’ efforts and the players’ commitment. The level of energy and attention to detail is impressive, and I am confident that our preparations are proceeding as planned,” he added.
Trial Matches to Fine-Tune Cranes
The FUFA President also disclosed that arrangements were underway to organize trial matches before the tournament opens, to enhance match fitness and tactical cohesion. “We are working with our colleagues to secure these matches and provide the players with the best possible preparation ahead of the CHAN tournament,” he noted.
Magogo said bridging the gap between “office planning” and “on-ground reality” was a core part of his leadership, adding that continued engagements with players and coaches were essential for success.
Onyango Joins Technical Team
In a related development, legendary Uganda Cranes goalkeeper Denis Onyango has temporarily joined the Cranes’ technical team during his holiday in Uganda. Magogo hailed Onyango’s voluntary decision to support the team.
“We’d like to extend our gratitude to Denis Onyango, the former Uganda Cranes goalkeeper, for joining our technical team during his stay here for holidays,” Magogo revealed.
“He has graciously agreed to share his experience and expertise with our goalkeepers. We are confident his guidance will greatly benefit our players, and they will learn valuable lessons from his wealth of knowledge.”
Rallying National Support
Magogo called on all Ugandans to rally behind the Cranes as they prepare for what will be a historic CHAN edition, jointly hosted by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, for the first time in the tournament’s history.
“These players are our brothers, our children. They deserve our love and encouragement. I want to assure Ugandans that our preparations are progressing well,” he said. “We will face tough competition, but with determination and teamwork, I am confident we will give a strong performance.”
The 8th edition of CHAN is restricted to players plying their trade in domestic leagues. A record 19 teams will compete across four groups, including regional debutants Kenya and the Central African Republic, as well as former champions Senegal, DR Congo, and Morocco. Only the top two teams per group will qualify for the quarterfinals.
The tournament also serves as a precursor to AFCON 2027, which the East African trio is also slated to co-host.
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