Namboole, Uganda: The Uganda Cranes officially kicked off training on Monday, September 1, at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, as preparations intensified for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Head coach Paul Put confirmed that 11 locally based players from the TotalEnergies CHAN 2024 squad have been drafted into the team for the qualifiers, joining a pool of foreign-based stars.
“I am so proud of the boys and the technical team at large,” said Put. “It was very hot during the two months, and we saw players doing their best. I was very happy with the way they were working, and from this, I am confident they will deliver.”
The Belgian tactician added that the CHAN players have shown steady progress and deserve their chance with the senior side. “They have been improving in each game; they deserve to be in the squad. I want them to connect more with the international players so that they can be more exposed,” he emphasized.
The Cranes began reporting to camp on Sunday, July 31, at FUFA Hotel in Kisasi. The squad now includes both local and international talent, among them Kenneth Semakula, Joseph Mpande, Ronald Ssekiganda, Denis Omedi, and teenage sensation Travis Mutyaba.
Striker Uchechukwu Ikpeazu Mubiru arrived on Sunday, while captain Denis Onyango has also linked up with the team and participated in the opening training session at Namboole.
Fresh from their CHAN 2024 exploits, Gavin Kizito, Allan Okello, Reagan Mpande, Joel Sserunjogi, and Abdu Karim Watambala have also been drafted into the squad.
Uganda will host Mozambique on Friday, September 5, before facing Somalia on Monday, September 8, at Mandela National Stadium. Both matches will kick off at 7:00 PM as the Cranes seek a strong start to their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
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