The Uganda U17 National Team has begun preparations for the FIFA U17 World Cup Qatar 2025 with great optimism and determination. Head Coach Brian Ssenyondo expressed his excitement as the players regrouped for their first training session since returning from the AFCON U17 Finals in Morocco.
‘After a long time since we came back from Morocco, we are excited to see the boys back with us preparing for the World Cup,’ said Coach Ssenyondo. ‘We are going to the world’s biggest stage. We know it will be tough, but we are not less than that; we are also tougher.’
He emphasised that the main objective is to advance from the group stage. ‘Before we stepped out for training, I told the boys that our first target is to come out of the group stage and then take it game by game. That is our main target; we do not want to put ourselves under too much pressure,’ he stated.
Coach Ssenyondo believes that progressing beyond the group will open further opportunities for the team. ‘If we get out of the group, anything is possible because the other games are knockout. It is a historical moment for all of us, for the federation and for Uganda, but especially for the players and the coaches,’ he said.
He further encouraged the young players to use this opportunity to demonstrate their potential. ‘I would want the players, and I believe the federation as well, to see them explore their talent to great heights. Many have the potential to progress to the U20 and senior national teams,’ he remarked.
In a personal reflection, Ssenyondo confirmed that this tournament will be his final assignment as Head Coach of the U17 team. He explained that this decision was reached following discussions with FUFA leadership.
‘Before we even qualified, I had a personal discussion with the FUFA President in Morocco. I told him that I believed we would qualify, but after the World Cup I would wish to step down from my position because this would be the apex,’ he shared. ‘After qualification, I formally wrote to FUFA to appreciate them for the opportunity, and they agreed with my decision. They saw it as the right step for me to move on to other national categories.’
He added, ‘I am an ambitious young man. I want to hit the heights of the game as a coach. I am very excited that I am stepping out of this position having done my best for Uganda and for myself. After my last game at the World Cup, that will mark the end of my tenure as head coach. I will move with my head held high, knowing that we did our best to achieve our dreams.’
Uganda U17 National Team – Provisional Squad for FIFA U17 World Cup Qatar 2025
The provisional squad features forty-seven players representing both local and international clubs.
The goalkeepers are Gilbert Mazige from NEC FC, Adrian Mukwanga from Vipers SC, Ashraf Lukyamuzi from KCCA FC, and Edris Waibi from Buddo SS.
The defenders include Elvis Torach from Masaka Sunshine FC, Pantaleo Creti from Grasshopper Club Zürich, Rwahim Kato from Buddo SS, Abdul Lukenge Ntege from Maroons FC, Ukashsha Abudshalfe Jemba from KCCA FC and Acorns International School-Kisasi, Steven Oyirwoth from KCCA FC, Jovan Nsenkero Mukisa from NEC FC, Hamuzza Sengooba from Masaka Sunshine FC, Dickson Barasa from Buddo SS, Ronald Kigoye from Vipers SC, Regan Buduul from BUL FC, Akiz Job Aguma from Vancouver Whitecaps FC, Yunus Vubya from Buddo SS, and Jim Frank Wasike from Vipers SC.
The midfielders are Ibrahim Amin from Cincinnati FC, Brian Jjara from KCCA FC, Abubakali Walusimbi from Vipers SC, Fred Junior Muhangi from Express FC, Reagan Okwii from NEC FC, Patrick Serunjogi from KCCA FC, Derrick Malinga from NEC FC, Ibra Ssebagala from Vipers SC, Joseph Langol from Lugazi FC, Derick Ssozi from Fort Portal Taxi Operators FC, Isima Mulala Magala from Masaka Sunshine FC, Marvin Kabitio from Vipers SC, Brian John Owino from Express FC, Thomas Ogemaa from KCCA FC, Etham Adeleke Afuga Adreas Oyedele from Bradfield College, Fahad Ismail from KCCA FC, Nuweagaba Kamurungi from Kitara FC, and Bashir Umar from Excell Soccer Academy.
The forwards named are Shakur Baggio Lucky Magogo from Namilyango College, John Asiimwe from Bukedea Comprehensive School, Richard Okello from BUL FC, Ramathan Ssali from Kawempe Muslim SS, Simon Wanyama from Bukedea Comprehensive School, James Bogere from Masaka Sunshine FC, and Enock Bagenda from KCCA FC.
Additional forwards include Arafat Nkoola from Vipers SC, Mike Lwanga who is a free agent, Ikhlas Mutebi from Fußball-Club Augsburg 1907, and Shafic Kaweesi from Lungujja Galaxy FC.
