The Uganda Cranes CHAN team kicked off its preparations with a non-residential training session on Saturday morning at the Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo War Memorial Grounds.
Head Coach Paul Put Joseph led the session, assisted by Sam Ssimbwa, Ibrahim Mugisha (goalkeeper coach), and Felix Ayobo (fitness coach).
Coach Put emphasized the importance of the upcoming game against Burundi, stating, “We are not taking the game lightly. It’s a serious match, and we need positive results to excite our home fans and prepare for CHAN.”
The team is gearing up to host the CHAN tournament in February 2025.
The training session focused on recovery, as 17 players had participated in club matches the previous day.
Coach Put noted, “We have a squad of 26 players, and today 24 reported for training. Once the remaining players join us, we will shift our focus to tactics and more intensive preparations.”
Two players, Samuel Ssenyonjo (Express FC) and Jude Ssemugabi (Kitara FC), were absent due to club commitments.
Players who reported for Day One training session.
Goalkeepers: Hannington Ssebwalunyo (NEC FC), Mutwalibi Mugolofa (KCCA FC), Joel Mutakubwa (BUL FC)
Defenders: Gavin Kizito Mugweri (KCCA FC), Gideon Odongo (NEC FC), Moses Aliro (URA FC), Derrick Ndahiro (Vipers SC), Enock Walusimbi (URA FC), Arnold Odong (SC Villa), Rogers Torach (Vipers SC), Hillary Mukundane (Vipers SC)
Midfielders: Joel Sseunjogi (KCCA FC), Enock Ssebagala (NEC FC), Allan Okello (Vipers SC), Saidi Mayanja (KCCA FC), Abdu Karim Watambala (Vipers SC), Paul Patrick Mbowa (Vipers SC)
Forwards
Hakim Kiwanuka (SC Villa, Milton Karisa (Vipers SC),Patrick Jonah Kakande (SC Villa), Shafik Nana Kwikiriza (KCCA FC), Ivan Ahimbisibwe (URA FC), Isaac Ogwang (Police FC), James Jarieko (NEC FC)
