Matches lined up for Uganda Cranes while in Saudi Arabia
Match 1: Friday 2nd July, 2021 (7.15pm EAT)
Match 2: 5th July, 2021 (Time to be communicated)
All matches at Prince Faisal Bin Fahad Bin Abdulaziz Stadium
Uganda Cranes tactician Morley Byekwaso has expressed his delight at having a full squad after all his players and the entire 35man contingent returned Covid-19 negative results ahead of the International friendly against Saudi Arabia tonight.
Uganda Cranes were cleared to train on Thursday after they all tested negative for Covid-19. They conducted their first session at Prince Faisal Bin Fahad Bin Abdulaziz Stadium under the scorching sunshine at around 5pm. The temperatures have left the coach worried though the match will be played under floodlights.
Nevertheless Byekwaso is ready with his troops for the task ahead.
‘Our training session very successful though worried about the heat here compared to Uganda at this time of the year. The players completed a wonderful session and are geared up to see that we have a good show against Saudi Arabia’ said Byekwaso.
‘We want to make use of these two matches to as we continue with reparations for the forthcoming intentional tournaments for Uganda Cranes’ added Byekwaso.
Byekwaso has also explained why he chose Express FC Captain Enock Walusimbi to lead the team tonight.
‘About Walusimbi’s position we have appointed him as captain, he deserves it as he has led senior players of Express FC to success. He is a good leader and he has shown all characters of a Captain’. He is a good advisor and above all disciplined’ noted Byekwaso.
The Captain’s word Enoch Walusimbi ahead of the match;
‘I thank God and the technical team led by Coach Morley for the opportunity to lead the team, it is a big opportunity. We are ready as a team and believe the matches will sharpen us more ahead of the CECAFA tournament in Ethiopia’
FUFA Statment on the results of the 35 man contingent returning Covid-19 negative;
‘We have been consistent in managing our bubble and the stringent camp rules where players and coaches have been dismissed. It has not earned us friends but delivery of duty is top priority. Staying in our unshared Cranes Paradise Hotel in Kisaasi and FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru are part of the tactic’
Pictorial from Thursday’s training
Uganda Cranes Contingent in Saudi Arabia
Goalkeepers:
Lukwago Charles (KCCA FC), Eric Kibowa (UPDF FC), Matovu Hassan Muyomba (KCCA FC),
Defenders:
Enock Walusimbi (Express FC), Abdu Aziizi Kayondo (Vipers SC), George Kaddu (Wakiso Giants FC), Musa Ramathan (KCCA FC), Kenneth Ssemakula (BUL FC), Magambo Peter (KCCA FC)
Midfielders:
Bobosi Byaruhanga (Vipers SC), Abdul Karim Watambala (Vipers SC), Kyeyune Saidi (Unattached), Steven Sserwadda (KCCA FC), Bright Anukani (KCCA FC), Isma Mugulusi (Busoga United FC), Salim Abdallah (SC Villa).
Forwards:
Mukwala Stephen Dese (URA FC), Ivan Bogere (Wakiso Giants FC), Saddam Masereka (SC Villa), Julius Poloto (KCCA FC), Richard Bassangwa (Vipers SC), Najib Yiga (Vipers SC), Hakim Kiwanuka (Proline FC), Derrick Kakooza (Police FC), Samuel Ssenyonjo (KCCA FC)
Officials:
Rogers Byamukama – Leader of Delegation
Morley Byekwaso – Head Coach
Simeon Massa -Assistant Coach
Stephen Billy Kiggundu-Goalkeeping Coach
Bashir Mutyaba – Team Manager
Emmanuel Nakabago-Team Doctor
Lawrence Bwanika – Media Officer
Samuel Mulondo -Kits Manager
Hamza Jjunju – FUFA Delegate
Sauda Babirye – FUFA Secretariat
