AFCON 2019 Updates: Uganda Cranes enjoy first day out of training in Abu Dhabi - FUFA: Federation of Uganda Football Associations

Posted on May 28, 2019 - 1:38 pm by Ahmed Marsha

Uganda Cranes in Abu Dhabi

AFCON Fixtures
22nd June Uganda vs the Democtratic Republic of Congo
26th June 26 Uganda vs Zimbabwe
30th June Egypt vs Uganda

The days are getting closer to the kick-off of the Total AFCON Finals in Egypt. Uganda Cranes are not taking things for granted as a three week camp in Abu Dhabi will have help Sebastien Desabre tune up his boys ahead of the continental show piece that kicks off on 21^st June in Cairo.

Upon arrival in the Arab world on Monday afternoon, the head coach shared his training schedule with the players which rolled off on Tuesday morning at the Sheikh Zayed stadium -Abu Dhabi Cricket Sports complex. The Uganda Cranes contingent is camped at the five star Park Rotana Hotel.

The one hour session saw the players undergo drills that involved warm up sessions of running and stretching but with less time on the ball. The team is expected to return to the same complex at 7.30pm to complete the day’s double training session.

Uganda Cranes Captain Denis Onyango trained alone under the guidance of experienced goalkeeping coach Fred Kajoba. Onyango’s other colleagues in the goalkeeping area Robert Odongkara, Salim Jamal and Charles Lukwago will join camp later.

Fred Kajoba (in black attire) monitoring Denis Onyango during training. Onyango did a solo job on Monday morning as heis the only keeper in camp so far.

Sebastien asks players to concentrate and makeuse of the camp

Head coach Sebastien Desabre has asked his players to remain focussed during their stay in Abu Dhabi.

‘It is not easy to adapt to this weather as it is hot. It is important for the boys to adapt to the weather but I am happy with the first session today. It is the same weather they will find in Egypt. They need to concentrate a lot. We need to prepare well for the tournament as we have two friendlies on 9^th and 15^th June before we fly out to Cairo’ said Sebastien Desabre.

L-R Derrick Nsibambi, Patrick Kaddu, Moses Waisswa, Allan Kyambadde, Isaac Muleme and Bevis Mugabi in Abu Dhabi getting set for training on Tuesday morning

Kirizestom Ntambi joins camp

The stylish midfielder who can also be slotted in defence joined the camp in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday morning. The Coffee FC player is expected to train with the rest of the team later today. Ntambi joins Nsibambi who never started the journey with the Uganda Cranes from Kampala. Nsibambi joined the team from Cairo. The rest of the players will report between 2nd and 7th

Uganda Cranes gets Chiropractor

Dr. Charles Sebwana has been added on the medical professionals list in camp. He is a Chiropractor who specializes in bones and joints.

‘Allow me to welcome a new member of the team Dr. Charles Sebwana. He is the team’s Chiropractor who will do a wonderful job with us during this camp. He will join Dr. Ronald Kisolo and Dr. Ivan Sewanyana’ said the coach who briefed the players about Dr. Sebwana before the team left Kabira Country club on Monday morning.

Uganda Cranes Chiropractor Dr. Charles Sebwana (L) with defender Murushid Juuko resting after training

Who is a Chiropractor?

A chiropractor is a health care professional focused on the diagnosis and treatment of neuromuscular disorders, with an emphasis on treatment through manual adjustment and/or manipulation of the spine.

The boots ‘machines’ being displayed and ready for duty at the training session in Abu Dhabi

Some of the Uganda Cranes officials in camp L-R Crispus Muyinda (Team Coordinator), Issa Magoola (Leader of Delegation), Dr. Ivan Ssewanyana (Physiotherapist), Dr. Ronald Kisolo (Team Physician), Dr. Charles Sebwana (Chiropractor) , Lawrence Kizito and Ayub Balyejusa ( Kit Managers)

L-R Reigning Airtel FUFA Player of the year Moses Waisswa , Patrick Kaddu and Sadam Juma after training on Tuesday at Sheikh Zayat stadium at the Abu Dhabi Cricket Sports Complex

Allan Kyambadde faces camera as he puts on his shoes to get ready for football business in Abu Dhabi

L-R Kyambadde, Joseph Ochaya and Nsibambi during training

A Kenyan Ismail Nasongo (R) working in Abu Dhabi but supports AFC Leopards had time to take a photo with Uganda Cranes midfielder Khalid Aucho who used to play for Gor Mahia. The duo rekindled some memories of the ‘Mashemeji derby’ played between two bitter rivals Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards

Assistant Uganda Cranes coach Matia Lule with Derrick Nsibambi after training today in Abu Dhabi

Players in Abu Dhabi (16):

Denis Masinde Onyango, Hassan Wasswa Mawanda, Joseph Benson Ochaya, Timothy Denis Awanyi, Godfrey Walusimbi, Patrick Henry Kaddu, Bevis Mugabi, Isaac Muleme, Khalid Aucho, Taddeo Lwanga, Allan Kyambadde, Ibrahim Sadam Juma, Moses Waiswa, Derrick Nsibambi, Murushid Jjuuko and Kirizestom Ntambi.

Team Officials

Leader of Delegation: Mr. Issa Magoola
Head coach: Sebastien Desabre
Assistant coach: Mathias Lule
Goalkeeper coach: Fred Kajoba
Team Doctor: Dr. Ronald Kisolo
Team Coordinator: Crispus Muyinda
Physiotherapist: Dr. Ivan Ssewanyana
Team Chiropractor: Dr. Charles Sebwana
Media: Ahmed Hussein
Physical Fitness trainer: Jerome D’Antonio
Kit Managers: Lawrence Kizito and Ayub Balyejusa

MAIN PHOTO: Uganda Cranes players listening to the head coach Sebastien Desabre for the customary brief before training gets underway at the Abu Dhabi Cricket Sports Complex.