Uganda Cranes concluded their ten-day training camp in Sousse, Tunisia on Tuesday as part of preparations for African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2022.
The team comprised of only players featuring in the domestic league first had a ten-day training camp in Kampala before moving to Sousse on 1st January 2023.
While in Tunisia, Uganda Cranes has had three friendly games with the aim of fine tuning the players.
The games included Sudan (2-2), Cameroon (1-1) and Mali (0-0).
Leader of Delegation, Dr. Apollo Ahimbisibwe who is also a member of the FUFA Executive Committee highlighted the importance of the foreign camp ahead of a tournament like CHAN.
“Like it has always been a norm at FUFA that prior to any major tournament, we take National Teams to a foreign camp and try to create a situation that would give players the competitive mind. I believe the camp in Sousse has been fruitful, the coaches have been able to mould the team and also the players have developed the bond necessary to take them into CHAN,” he stated before adding.
“In addition, we have acclimatized to things like weather and food because Tunisia and Algeria are neighbours, we believe this was a perfect choice of venue to camp. The friendly games have shown improvement and chemistry of the team and we are hopeful of doing better than the previous editions.”
Ahimbisibwe also lauded Government of Uganda for availing funds to help the team have good preparations.
“As FUFA, we are grateful to the Government of Uganda for providing the funds in time to aid the team in having good preparations. The ball in now in the hands of the players to deliver. We call upon all Ugandans back home and across the World to rally behind the team and support the boys when the tournament starts.” He stated.
Uganda Cranes contingent will departed Tunisia for Annaba, Algeria on Wednesday morning. The Team will be based at Ben Mustapha Aouda Hotel.
The first Group game will be against Democratic Republic of Congo on Saturday, 14th January 2023.
Uganda is in Group B that has Democratic Republic of Congo, Senegal and Ivory Coast.
Uganda Cranes CHAN squad
Goalkeepers
Nafian Alionzi (URA FC), Joel Mutakubwa (Gaddafi FC), Jack Komakech (Vipers SC)
Defenders
Ashiraf Mandela (Vipers SC), James Begisa Penz (URA FC), Derrick Ndahiro (URA FC), Isa Mubiru (Vipers SC), Hillary Mukundane (Vipers SC), Kenneth Semakula(SC Villa), Geofrey Wasswa (KCCA FC), Gift Fred (SC Villa)
Midfielders
Marvin Joseph Youngman (Vipers SC), Abdu Karim Watambala(Vipers SC), Moses Waiswa (KCCA FC)
Forwards
Milton Karisa (Vipers SC), Ibrahim Orit (Vipers SC), Travis Mutyaba (SC Villa), Moses Aliro (Wakiso Giants FC), Rogers Mato (KCCA FC), Bright Anukani (Vipers SC), Titus Ssematimba (Wakiso Giants), Frank Ssebufu (Wakiso Giants FC), Nelson Senkatuka(Soltilo Bright Stars FC)
Officials
Leader of Delegation – Dr. Apollo Ahimbisibwe
Head Coach – Milutin Sredojevic
Assistant Coach – Moses Basena
Goalkeeping Coach – Fred Kajoba
Fitness Trainer – Arthur Kyesimira
Team Doctor – Emmanuel Nakabago
Physiotherapist – Ivan Ssewanyana
Team Manager – Geoffrey Massa
National Teams’ Officer – Paul Mukatabala
Equipment Managers – Samuel Mulondo and Ayub Balyejjusa
Team Media Officer – Ahmed Hussein
FUFA Media – Joel Muyita
FUFA Tv – Patrick Lugemwa
FUFA Staff – Richard Nandigobe
