Uganda Cranes officially started preparations for the forthcoming African Nations Championship on Thursday with the players summoned undergoing training at Phillip Omondi Stadium in Lugogo.
Besides goalkeepers Emmanuel Kalyowa and Mathias Muwanga who played for BUL FC and Ondupraka FC respectively on Wednesday and joined camp in the afternoon, the rest took part in the morning session conducted by coach Mulutin Sredojevic aka Micho.
The coach indicated the few days he has with the team before travelling will be used to fine tune a number of aspects.
“We have started on our journey of playing at CHAN in Algeria and knowing that we have a short period left, we want to use every opportunity to address several aspects. This is the first stage of our preparations with a local camp here in Uganda before going for another camp in Tunisia that will have friendly matches before playing at the final tournament,” he stated.
Micho also stated that unlike the qualifying phase where players were coming from off-season, this time the fitness levels are not a concern.
“I remember when we were preparing for Tanzania in August, we needed more time because the League was off but I’m glad that basing on the first session, the physical and fitness state of players is okay and we will focus on areas that need address.”
Stirker Nelson Senkatuka was a late inclusion on the team and the gaffer explains why the Soltilo Bright Stars forward has been added.
“We know his abilities as a striker and we brought him on board to add competition in that position.” He stated.
The Preparations
21st -31st December 2022 – Local Training camp in Uganda
1st January 2023 – Team will depart to Tunisia for a Pre-CHAN tournament with 3 or 4 friendlies lined up to fine tune the players.
14th January 2023 – Uganda Cranes plays the first game against Democratic Republic of Congo in Annaba, Algeria.
Uganda is in Group B alongside two time winners Democratic Republic of Congo, Senegal and Ivory Coast.
Fixtures
14th January 2023
DR Congo vs Uganda
18th January 2023
Uganda vs Senegal
22nd January 2023
Ivory Coast vs Uganda
Full Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers
Nafian Alionzi (URA FC), Mathias Muwanga (Onduparaka FC), Emmanuel Kalyowa (BUL FC), Joel Mutakubwa (Gaddafi FC), Jack Komakech (Vipers SC)
Defenders
Ashiraf Mandela (Vipers SC), James Begisa (URA FC), Grant Matsiko (Wakiso Giants FC), Derrick Ndahiro (URA FC), Isa Mubiru (Vipers SC), Arthur Kiggundu (Express FC), Hillary Mukundane (Vipers SC), Kenneth Ssemakula(SC Villa), Geofrey Wasswa (KCCA FC), Filbert Obenchan (KCCA FC), Gift Fred (SC Villa), Bright Vuni (Arua Hill SC)
Midfielders
Siraje Ssentamu (Vipers SC), Marvin Joseph Youngman (Vipers SC), Saidi Kyeyune (URA FC), Hussein Ssenoga (Express FC), Abdu Karim Watambala(Vipers SC), Moses Waiswa (KCCA FC)
Forwards
Milton Karisa (Vipers SC), Ibrahim Orit (Vipers SC), Travis Mutyaba (SC Villa), Moses Aliro (Wakiso Giants FC), Kagawa Ssenoga (KCCA FC), Rogers Kassim Mato (KCCA FC), Bright Anukani (Vipers SC), Ibrahim Kasule (Wakiso Giants FC), Titus Ssematimba (Wakiso Giants), Frank Ssebufu (Wakiso Giants FC), Najib Yiga (Vipers SC), Cromwell Rwothomio (Vipers SC), Nelson Senkatuka (Soltilo Bright Stars FC)
