After a two day break, the Uganda Cranes on Sunday continued with non -residential training in the morning at Nakivubio Stadium.
The training session that started shortly before 10 am was twice interrupted by the heavy rains that were experienced in Kampala before it was finally concluded shortly before midday.
Owing to their ultimate target of representing the Nation in the very best way possible at the AFCON finals next year in Gabon, the seemingly unbothered players together with their coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic and his assistants Moses Basena and Fred Kajoba endured the drizzles as they went about their business working on the skills.
During the break, the coach used the time optimally lifting the spirits of his players through an inspiration talk meant to gear their efforts towards working so hard such that they can be considered for slots on the final squad that will represent the country in Gabon.
‘In Gabon we are going to play very strong sides but we are not weak either especially if we prepare very well and work hard. This country has had to wait for 39 years for this moment. You should be very proud of yourself and work so hard having in mind all the kinds of benefits that are there for you as players’ Micho told his players.
He went on to challenge the players to give him reason to be included in the final squad that will be going to Gabon by working so hard.
‘This qualification meant a lot to this great Nation but once in Gabon it will not be about me or the other coaches. There are so many opportunities for players that come with playing at this stage that I want you to embrace but this won’t come easy. You need to first convince me and the other coaches. This is the time for you to prove to me that you deserve that place on the 23 man squad’
The team held a trial match against Bombo based The Saints FC with the match ending 2-1 in favour of the Uganda Cranes. Uganda Cranes will enjoy another practice match today at Nakivubo stadium with Kawempe based side Bright Stars FC playing in the Azam Uganda premier League. It is a closed door training session at 4pm but the sports media will be allowed to access the stadium.
The players that attended training on Sunday;
Goalkeepers; Ismail Watenga, Benjamin Ochan.
Up field players included;
Nicholas Wadada, Richard Kasagga, Denis Okoth, Joseph Ochaya, Timothy Awanyi, Rashid Toha, Halid Lwaliwa, Keziron Kizito, Shafik Batambuzze, Ibrahim Sadam Juma, Tonny Mawejje, Muzamir Mutyaba, Paul Mucureezi, Yunus Sentamu, Muhammad Shaban, Geoffrey Serunkuma, Edrisa Lubega and Derrick Nsibambi
