Uganda Cranes Head Coach Milutin Sredojevic aka Micho is convinced with the progress of preparations for the forthcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) Qualifiers.
The team entered camp two weeks ago and the players have been training rigorously in a bid to gain full fitness.
In assessing the progress made so far, coach Micho indicated everything is moving according to plan and happy that the players have responded positively to training despite coming from off season.
“I believe we have made positive strides to a point of theoretical awareness and physical fitness of players and there is a big difference between now and the time we started,” he said.
“We have played several practice matches behind us and the boys have responded very well. We shall now shift focus and enter another phase of preparations where we are planning to have international friendly matches.” Coach Micho added.
In the practice games played, Uganda Cranes defeated Western Region Select Team 3-0, edged UPDF FC 2-1 and drew 1-1 against Kampala Province.
When asked about the absence of players from Vipers SC, the gaffer indicated he is not worried because they are equally having good preparations.
“They (Vipers SC) are preparing for CAF Champions League and we had to accord the players more time with the club. I have no doubt that they have had good preparations including the friendly match against Yanga FC. I know they will join us soon and in better shape.”
Uganda plays Tanzania in the final qualification hurdle with the first leg coming on 27th August in Dar es Salaam before a return leg on 3rd September at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.
The winner on aggregate will qualify for the final tournament that will take place in January next year in Algeria.
Players in camp
Goalkeepers
Nafian Alionzi (URA FC), Emmanuel Kalyowa (BUL FC), Denis Otim (Express FC), Mathias Muwanga (Onduparaka FC)
Defenders
Gift Fred (SC Villa), Najib Fesali (URA FC), Joseph Bright Vuni (Arua Hill SC), Kenneth Ssemakula (SC Villa), John Revita (KCCA FC), Walter Ochora (BUL FC), Gavin Kizito Mugweri (SC Villa), James Begisa (URA FC), Derrick Ndahiro (URA FC)
Midfielders
George Kasonko (BUL FC), Titus Ssematimba(Wakiso Giants FC), Brian Mato (Proline FC), Saidi Kyeyune (URA FC), Moses Waiswa (KCCA FC), Owen Kasule (Wakiso Giants FC)
Forwards
Travis Mutyaba (SC Villa), Rogers Mato (KCCA FC), Moses Aliro (Wakiso Giants FC), Martin Kizza (Express FC), Richard Basangwa (Gaddafi FC), Isma Mugulusi(Unattached), Hakim Kiwanuka (Proline FC)
