Tag: Uganda Cranes

In an interview with FUFA’s Communications Department, Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put shared his insights on the 26-man provisional squad summoned for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Uganda will face Mozambique on 20th March at Cairo International Stadium, Egypt before hosting Guinea at Namboole Stadium on 25th March 2025.

Preparing for high-stake matches, coach Put emphasised a game-by-game approach, acknowledging the intense competition in African football.

‘You cannot underestimate any African team. In World Cup qualifiers, opportunities are scarce, so we must be well-prepared. Our players understand that these chances are rare in their careers.’

Put noted the limited preparation time, with some players joining the camp just days before the Mozambique match.

What it means to the coach and the players play in the world cup qualifiers

‘Unfortunately, we have a short preparation period. Some players will join us on the 17th March and we will start training on the 18th March, with only two days before the game. It is challenging, but we will not make excuses. We will do our best to achieve good results.

Put’s Strategy for the three World Cup home matches this year

Uganda has three upcoming home matches against Guinea, Mozambique and Somalia. Coach Put prefers to focus on performance rather than calculations.

‘I do not like to overthink. We performed well away in the AFCON qualifiers and we should maintain that level. At home, we need to make a difference. The key is to focus on our game rather than stressing over numbers.’

Put on emerging young talent Sibbick Toby, Watambala Abdul Karim, Patrick Kakande and team dynamics

Put downplayed the reliance on individual players, stressing the importance of a team-first mentality. ‘The entire team is crucial. We do not have irreplaceable top-level players. We are missing Halid Lwaliwa, Elio Capradossi and Arnold Odongo through injury who are key in defense, but Uganda’s strength lies in collective effort and mentality.

Put on the World Cup ambitions

With Uganda aiming to qualify for its first ever World Cup, Put highlighted the importance of seizing the moment.

‘Every game is crucial. You do not get many chances to qualify for a World Cup in your career.  I have been close before and when you are close, you want more. Uganda must push forward and stay focused.’

Put on the immense support by Ugandan football fans

Put urged Ugandan fans to rally behind the team, as their support creates a positive atmosphere that boosts performance.

‘Our strength comes from mentality and unity. Fans play a significant role in this. Ugandans love football, and their support gives us the energy we need.’

Travel plans for the team

The Uganda Cranes Squad will camp in Egypt with the travel of the local based players starting on 15th March. The foreign based players will join the residential camp in Cairo after the weekend of (15-16 March) matches with their clubs ahead of the Mozambique clash.

With six points already collected, Uganda Cranes will aim to collect three points in Cairo off Mozambique and then maximise their home advantage for a strong push in Group G of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The team, led by Ankunzire Frank, departs from Entebbe International Airport today at 1510hrs (EAT) aboard Uganda Airlines and will arrive in Juba at 1510hrs (SSD time).

The delegation includes 20 officials, among them Head Coach Paul Put, and 27 players.

The FUFA President, Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim, will travel tomorrow (Monday) in time to attend the team’s final training session and address the players in the evening before the match against South Sudan on Tuesday.

Players

1. Watenga Isima Bin Abdul Rashid
2. Alionzi Nafian Legason
3. Lukwago Charles
4. Kizito Mugweri Gavin
5. Semakula Kenneth
6. Muleme Isaac
7. Mwere Nicholas
8. Kayondo Abdul Aziizi
9. Mugabi Bevis Kristofer Kizito
10. Awany Timothy Denis
11. Lwaliwa Halidi
12. Odong Arnold
13. Capradossi Elio
14. Khalid Aucho
15. Byaruhanga Bobosi
16. Lwanga Tadeo
17. Ssekiganda Ronald
18. Okello Allan
19. Mutyaba Travis
20. Mayanja Saidi
21. Omedi Denis
22. Ssemugabi Jude
23. Kwikiriza Shafik Nana
24. Mato Rogers Kassim
25. Nsibambi Derrick Paul
26. Mukwala Steven Dese
27. Kabuye Hope Calvin Ddamulira

Officials

1. Hon. Magogo Moses Hassim – FUFA President
2. Mukatabala Paul Nantulya – National Team Officer
3. Ankunzire Frank – Head of Delegation
4. Put Paul Joseph – Head Coach
5. Ssimbwa Sam Bamweyana – Assistant Coach
6. Oste Gerry Djrk – Goalkeeping Coach
7. De Wilde Sven Lydia Louis – Performance Manager
8. Denis Mathieu Ghislan – Physical Fitness Coach
9. Sevenhant Jelle Luca – Video Analyist
10. Parmienter Arno – Physiotherapist
11. Naudts Arthur Frank – Fitness Coach
12. Depraetere Arnaud Rene – Sports Doctor
13. Nakabago Emmanuel – Team Doctor
14. Massa Geofrey – Team Cordinator
15. Mulondo Samuel – Kit Manager
16. Bashir Ibrahim – Team Communications Officer
17. Kazibwe Ashraf – FUFA Tv
18. Ndibassa Stone Kyambadde – FUFA Delegate
19. Nshekanabo Gasheka – FUFA Delegate
20. Kesiime Phiona – FUFA Secretariat
21. Katende Fred Malibu – Office of the FA President

Full time: Uganda 1-0 Botswana

Goal scorer – Muhammad Shaban

Assist – Denis Omedi

Starting XI

Pictorial

The arrival of Rogers Kassim Mato (Brera Strumica) at the Cranes Paradise Hotel finalized the roster of players summoned by Head Coach Paul Put Joseph for the two 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier matches at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

Uganda plays on Friday, 7th June 2024, and on Monday, 10th June 2024, against Botswana and Algeria, respectively.

Both matches kick off at 7:00 PM (EAT).

Summoned players

Ronald Otti (BUL FC, Uganda), Chrispas Kusiima (Kitara FC, Uganda), Nicholas Mwere (BUL FC, Uganda), Shaban Muhammad (KCCA FC, Uganda), Joel Sserunjoji (KCCA FC, Uganda), Denis Omedi (Kitara FC, Uganda), Ronald Ssekiganda (SC Villa, Uganda), Umar Lutalo (SC Villa, Uganda), Jeans Braddy Wokorach (SC Villa, Uganda), Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces FC, Ethiopia), Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa, Uganda), Timothy Awany (FC Ashdod, Israel), Halidi Lwaliwa (FK Bregainica Stip, North Macedonia), Isima Bin Rashid Watenga (Lamontville Golden Arrows FC, South Africa), Kenneth Semakula (SC Villa, Uganda), Isaac Muleme (FK Victoria Zizkov, Czech Republic), Capradossi Elio (Calcio Lecco FC, Italy), Nelson Senkatuka (Soltilo Bright Stars FC, Uganda), Allan Okello (Vipers SC, Uganda), Elvis Bwomono (St. Mirren FC, Scotland), Abdu Aziizi Kayondo (MFK Vyskov, Czech Republic), Khalid Aucho (Yanga SC, Tanzania), Bobosi Byaruhanga (Austin FC, USA), Ibrahim Kasule (New York Red Bull II, USA),Travis Mutyaba (Zamalek SC, Egypt), Steven Dese Mukwala (Asante Kotoko FC, Ghana), Fahad Aziz Bayo (MFK Vyskov, Czech Republic), Carl Mujaguzi (Athlone Town AFC) and Rogers Kassim Mato (Brera Strumica).

FUFA Communications has covered quite a number of national team stars while on international duty whenever they come together to represent their country.

With Uganda Cranes now in camp and ready to take on Botswana and Algeria on 7th June 2024 and 10th June 2024 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, FUFA caught up with Steven Desse Mukwala-a player who has raised his profile by hitting the goals in the Ghana Premier League with Asante Kotoko and now in the Uganda Cranes set up.

FUFA Communications: Welcome to the Uganda Cranes Camp. What does it mean to you to be part of such a set up on national team duty?

Steven Desse Mukwala: It is a great honour for me to be part of the National team duty. It is a dream for any player to represent their country. I am not different from others. The feeling and connection between me and playing for my country in unbelievable. I am humbled and just cannot wait to give in my all for my beloved country and the entire team.

FUFA Communications: You’re wearing a beaming smile right now. Is it about the goal you scored against Ghana or the life you are enjoying in the Ghana Premier League with Asante Kotoko?

Steven Desse Mukwala: The goal against Ghana was of course of great impact. It helped build my confidence in the national team colours and I am so glad I scored. The Ghana Premier league has been so amazing with memorable moments for me to take home everyday and my teammates. As a club we have had challenges but the Kotoko fans have been lovely to the team. I can attribute this smile to the love I get from Ghana and also being summoned by the head coach of the national team to camp.

FUFA Communications: What kind of character and qualities do you bring to the Uganda Cranes camp as a striker that the rest of the team players will learn form you?

Steven Desse Mukwala: I think right now I am hungry for more. The fire in me to score goals in every game is what I possess right now and that is something to look up to.

FUFA Communications: Share with us your football journey from childhood until to-date and how has it inspired other young players dreaming to reaching such heights.

Steven Desse Mukwala: My journey is very interesting and full of great stories to share. I started from Kasese as a very little boy. The passion was evident right from Childhood. But the story changed the day my mother took me to Edgars Youth Programme in Kampala. I can firmly say my football journey started from Edgars Soccer Academy. Throughout my teenage years Mr. Edgar Watson made me the beast that I am today. He is a fatherly figure in my life and he will always have a special place in my life. From Edgars to Vipers SC and then to Maroons, followed by stints in URA FC and then to Asante Kotoko. It has been a journey to relish. I have had many young people reaching out to me for advice. But all I tell them is to keep working hard and show great discipline throughout their pursuit for greatness in their football journeys.

I went to Gayaza Cambridge College and later on Kibuli SS. I left profound football memories in both schools.

FUFA Communications: What message are you sharing with the fans looking forward to seeing the Uganda Cranes at Namboole again for the first time since 2019?

Steven Desse Mukwala: I call upon all Ugandans with great passion for football to show up at Mandela National Stadium. The players are excited and know the value of these games starting with Botswana on Friday. We have bene away from home for almost five years without playing at Namboole and that is a long time. We re ready as a team to exhibit our very best. We will fight for the 6 points in the two games.

Ends

The Uganda Cranes team currently in residential camp has welcomed Zamalek SC player Travis Mutyaba who arrived in the wee hours of the Friday morning. Mutyaba is a CAF Confederation Cup winner with Egyptian giants Zamalek SC.

The team had a training session at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole for the first time since 2019 where the Coach in his remarks was happy about the day one performance of his players.

The players in camp are Ronald Otti (BUL FC, Uganda), Chrispas Kusiima (Kitara FC, Uganda), Nicholas Mwere (BUL FC, Uganda), Shaban Muhammad (KCCA FC, Uganda), Joel Sserunjoji (KCCA FC, Uganda), Denis Omedi (Kitara FC, Uganda), Ronald Ssekiganda (SC Villa, Uganda), Umar Lutalo (SC Villa, Uganda), Jeans Braddy Wokorach (SC Villa, Uganda), Nafian Alionzi (Defence Forces FC, Ethiopia), Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa, Uganda), Timothy Awany (FC Ashdod, Israel), Halidi Lwaliwa (FK Bregainica Stip, North Macedonia), Isima Bin Rashid Watenga (Lamontville Golden Arrows FC, South Africa), Kenneth Semakula (SC Villa, Uganda), Isaac Muleme (FK Victoria Zizkov, Czech Republic), Capradossi Elio (Calcio Lecco FC, Italy), Allan Okello (Vipers SC, Uganda), Nelson Senkatuka (Soltilo Bright Stars FC, Uganda) and Travis Mutyaba (Zamalek SC, Egypt).

Pictorial from training session on Friday at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole

Platforms where to purchase the match tickets for Uganda vs Botswana 7th June 2024) and Uganda vs Algeria (10th June 2024)

Uganda Cranes will utilise the upcoming international break by playing two friendly games against Ghana and Comoros in Morocco.

The first game against Comoros will take place on 22nd March 2024 before facing Ghana four days later.
All matches will be played at Stade Grande Marrakech.

The team will depart Uganda today at 5 PM (Saturday, 16th March 2024), majorly with the local-based players while the foreign-based legion shall join the team in Morocco from their respective clubs.

It should be noted that Bobosi Byaruhanga, Nicholas Mwere and Allan Kyambadde withdrew from the squad after picking up injuries.

Team Captain Khalid Aucho is also missing the trip as he is recovering from an injury.

FUFA Executive Committee Member Dr. Apollo Ahimbisibwe is the Leader of Delegation.

Full squad

Goalkeepers
Tom Ikara (BUL FC), Jack Komakech (Vipers SC), Giousue Bellagambi (Huddersfield Town FC)

Defenders
Kenneth Semakula (SC Villa), Elvis Bwomono (St. Mirren FC), Bevis Mugabi (Motherwell FC), Toby Sibbick (Hearts FC), Halidi Lwaliwa (Bregalnica STIP), Denis Kaka Omony (Soltilo Bright Stars FC), Enock Walusimbi (URA FC), George Nathan Asiimwe (Charlton FC)

Midfielders
Ronald Ssekiganda (SC Villa), Moses Opondo (AC Horsens), Travis Mutyaba (Zamalek SC), Ashraf Mugume (KCCA FC), Abdu Karim Watambala (Vipers SC)

Forwards
Milton Karisa (Vipers SC), Denis Omedi (Kitara FC), Rogers Kassim Mato (Brena Strumica), Moses Aliro Okabo (URA FC), Steven Dese Mukwala (Asante Kotoko), Muhammad Shaban (KCCA FC), Fahad Bayo (MFK Vyskov), Carl James Mujaguzi (Athlone FC), Shafik Kakande (Soltilo Bright Stars FC)

Officials

Leader of Delegation – Dr. Apollo Ahimbisibwe

Head Coach – Joseph Put Paul

Assistant Coach – Sam Ssimbwa Bamweyana

Goalkeeping Coach – Oste Gerry Djrk

Performance Coach – Sven De Wilde

Fitness Coach – Denis Mathieu Ghislain

Video Analyst – Sevenhant Jelle Luca

Team Manager – Geofrey Massa

Team Doctor – Emmanuel Nakabago

Team Physiotherapist – Ivan Ssewanyana

Equipment Manager – Samuel Mulondo

National Teams Officer- Paul Mukatabala Nantulya

Team Media Officer – Ibrahim Bashir

FUFA Tv – Abdusalam Kigozi

FUFA Delegate – Nshekanabo Gasheka

FUFA Delegate – John Odongo

Uganda Cranes head coach Paul Put has named a 26-man squad for two friendly matches in Morocco against Comoros and Ghana to be played during the FIFA international window of 18th-26th March 2024.

Captain Khalid Aucho and Abdul Aziizi Kayondo who had initially been summoned are left out after picking up injuries.

FUFA Communications Director Ahmed Hussein has confirmed that Uganda Cranes will utilise the international break by playing two matches at the Stade Grande Marrakech in Morocco.

The first match will see Uganda take on Comoros on 22nd March 2024 while the second fixture is on 26th March 2024.

The matches will be used to prepare the Uganda Cranes ahead of a busy international schedule this year with AFCON 2025 qualifiers coming up and FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign resuming.

The local-based players will converge immediately after the last game of the Uganda premier league matches before the international break while the foreign-based players will connect directly to Morocco from their respective clubs.

The squad has;

Goalkeepers     

1. Tom Ikara – BUL FC (Uganda)

2. Jack Komakech – Vipers SC (Uganda)

3. Giousue Bellagambi – Huddersfield Town FC (England)

Defenders

4. Kenneth Semakkula – SC Villa (Uganda)

5. Elvis Bwomono – St. Mirren FC (Scotland)

6. Bevis Mugabi – Motherwell FC (Scotland)

7. Toby Sibbick – Hearts FC (Scotland)

8. Hallidi Lwaliwa – Bregalinca STIP (North Macedonia)

9. Timothy Awany – Ashdod FC (Israel)

10. Denis Kaka Omony – Soltilo Bright Stars FC (Uganda)

11. Nicholas Mwere – BUL FC (Uganda)

Midfielders

12. Allan Kyambadde – El Dakhleya (Egypt)

13. Ronald Ssekiganda – SC Villa (Uganda)

14. Ashraf Mugume – KCCA FC (Uganda)

15. Bobosi Byaruhanga – Austin FC (USA)

16. Moses Opondo – AC Horsens (Denmark)

17. Travis Mutyaba – Zamalek SC (Egypt)

Forwards

18. Milton Karisa – Vipers SC (Uganda)

19. Denis Omedi – Kitara FC (Uganda)

20. Rogers Kassim Mato – Brera Strumica (North Macedonia)

21. Moses Aliro Okabo – URA FC (Uganda)

22. Steven Mukwala – Asante Kotoko FC (Ghana)

23. Mohamad Shaban – KCCA FC (Uganda)

24. Fahad Bayo – MFK Vyskov (Czech Republic)

25. Carl James Mujaguzi – Athlone Town AFC (Ireland)

26. Shafic Kakande – Soltilo Bright Stars FC (Uganda)

Uganda Cranes will play two international matches during the FIFA International Window of 18th-26th March 2024.

The matches will be played in the city of Marrakech, Morocco at the Stade Grande Marrakech.

1. Match schedules
   Comoros vs Uganda on 22nd March 2024 at 9:00 PM (local time)
2. Uganda vs Ghana on 26th March 2024 at 4:00 PM (local time)

The squad for the two matches will be released soon.

It is Our Game, It is Our Country.