As Uganda’s home-based national team steps up its final preparations for the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, optimism and belief are echoing throughout the Cranes’ camp.
The tournament set to be co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, presents a golden chance for the Cranes to rewrite history. Despite multiple appearances at CHAN, Uganda has never progressed beyond the group stages. A record the team is determined to change this time around.
Morley Byekwaso who serves as Co-Head Coach acknowledges both the intensity of preparation and the weight of national expectations.
‘First of all, I have to thank the Almighty for the gift of life, and I appreciate the coaches and players for the hard work. It’s been a tough journey, but the boys have responded well. The level of focus and fitness we’ve achieved in this pre-season gives us confidence,’ he noted.
Byekwaso emphasised that beyond fitness, the technical team has been drilling the players in modern tactical demands from compact defending when out of possession to building meaningful attacking patterns.
‘We have spent a lot of time observing player combinations, how they understand each other, from build-up to finishing and how compact they remain when we lose the ball. Our focus is on getting results,’ he added.
Leadership within the camp has also been carefully managed with experienced players like Allan Okello, Rogers Torach and Jude Ssemugabi guiding the group. Byekwaso says that despite the pressure associated with performing on home soil, the team is grounded.
‘This is our senior team, and playing at CHAN is a big stage. But we are not afraid of the pressure. We are focused on doing what’s good for our nation.’
Among the players expected to play a pivotal role is AbdulKarim Watambala, the creative midfielder from Vipers SC, who brings with him the experience of two previous CHAN tournaments.
‘We have prepared well in camp and everyone is putting in the effort,’ Watambala shared. ‘Being summoned to the national team is already a big motivation but this time we want to make the nation happy and getting past the group stage would be a huge step.’
For Watambala, CHAN is not just another tournament. It’s a proving ground for local talent and an important stage for national pride.
‘It is a high-level competition and a great platform for any local-based player. Personally, I see it as a big opportunity. I want to help the team by scoring or assisting and more importantly by encouraging the younger players who are here for the first time.’
He also highlighted the team’s focus on mental strength especially for players unfamiliar with the pressure of a continental tournament.
‘Confidence is key. Some players may feel timid at first but the coaches are helping us believe in ourselves and play our natural game.’
As the CHAN 2024 kickoff edges closer, the tournament partly staged on home turf, the stakes and the hopes have never been higher.
The team in camp
Deo Mutabazi – Leader of Delegation, Paul Put – Head Coach, Morley Byekwaso – Coach, Muhumuza Fred – Coach, Mandon Louis Francois – Performance Coach, Koukouras Petros – Video Analyst, Kiggundu Stephen Billy – Goalkeeping Coach, Massa Geofrey – Team Coordinator, Nakabago Emmanuel – Doctor, Ssewanyana Ivan – Physiotherapist, Mulondo Samuel – Kit Manager, Bashir Ibrahim -Team Media Officer and Kazibwe Ashirah – FUFA Tv Production.
